Acting Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, John R. Bass, met with South Africas’ Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Zane Dangor, recently in Washington, D.C., for the fourth U.S.-South Africa Working Group on African and Global Issues (WGAGI).
The WGAGI, which forms part of the annual structured engagements between South Africa and the United States, focuses on bilateral, African, and global issues of common concern, with the aim of exploring opportunities for further collaboration. As both Chairpersons noted, the meeting is evidence of the value, importance and enduring strength of the U.S.-South Africa’s relationship.
Over the course of the engagement, Under Secretary, Bass and Director-General, Dangor reinforced their nations’ shared commitment to tackling food insecurity, promoting equitable and transparent debt treatment, and advancing human rights globally.
Also considered during their discuss were areas of instability on the African continent and committed to continuing to work together to push for peace. The U.S. and South African delegations shared their mutual interest in reforming and modernizing international institutions to ensure a more inclusive African representative in United Nations.
Both Under Secretary, Bass and Director-General, Dangor noted the importance of efforts like WGAGI, to strengthening the bilateral partnership.
Under Secretary Bass commended Director-General Dangor on South Africa’s recent elections, noting that the smooth and successful transition into coalition politics is a testament to the strength and resilience of South Africa’s democracy.
The delegations are committed to working together to further collective shared goals and build upon the important U.S.-South Africa relationship.
