PRETORIA — South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has said that diplomatic relations between South Africa and Rwanda remain positive, describing them as being based on friendship, mutual understanding, and cooperation grounded in mutual respect.
Lamola made the remarks while addressing ongoing regional diplomatic discussions, emphasizing that despite past tensions between the two countries, efforts continue to maintain stable and constructive engagement.
The minister noted that both Pretoria and Kigali remain committed to dialogue and cooperation within regional and continental frameworks, particularly on issues of peace, security, and economic integration in Africa.
Relations between South Africa and Rwanda have experienced periods of strain in recent years, largely linked to security developments in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and mutual accusations exchanged at diplomatic level. However, both governments have repeatedly expressed interest in avoiding escalation and maintaining formal diplomatic ties.
Lamola’s comments signal a continued effort by South Africa to frame its foreign policy approach as one of engagement and reconciliation within the Great Lakes region.
No further details were immediately provided regarding specific bilateral meetings or new agreements between the two countries.
