President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in the Kingdom of Spain on a Working Visit, where he will participate in the In Defence of Democracy Initiative.
In a statement on Thursday, The Presidency said that on consecutive days, the President will have an audience with the King of Spain, His Majesty Felipe
VI, in Madrid, followed by a bilateral engagement with the Prime Minister of the Government of Spain, Dr Pedro Sánchez, in Barcelona, ahead of the In Defence of Democracy Initiative.“President Ramaphosa’s engagement with both King Felipe VI and President Sánchez will provide opportunities to review the current status of bilateral cooperation and to advance discussions on the areas of mutual interest between South Africa and Spain, with particular focus on trade and investment, education, renewable energy, the digital economy, tourism, multilateralism and peace and security,” the Presidency said.
The initiative, In Defence of Democracy, is an international effort initially launched by Brazil and Spain in 2024 to confront the rise of extremism, polarisation and disinformation — phenomena that erode social cohesion and threaten democratic institutions.
The first meeting was held in 2024 during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), bringing together countries from different regions and representatives of international organisations, who agreed on the need for permanent coordination to safeguard democratic values.
The forthcoming Initiative will be a meeting in response to attacks against the multilateral system, disdain for international law, threats of territorial expansion and normalising the use of threats and coercion in international relations.
During the visit, President Ramaphosa will deliver remarks at the plenary on Extremism and Inequality, following commissioning the G20 Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts on Global Inequality.
In Madrid, the President’s programme includes championing South Africa's investment drive through engagements with Spanish companies and addressing the South Africa-Spain Business Forum.
He will also have an audience with King Felipe VI at the Zarzuela Royal Palace.
In Barcelona on Saturday, the President is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with President Sánchez at the Fira de Barcelona, before delivering remarks at the plenary session on Extremism and Inequality.
The President will be accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, and the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau.
On the margins of the Initiative, President Ramaphosa will also engage with the Global Progressive Mobilisation Group.
The Working Visit comes after President Sánchez undertook an Official Visit to South Africa in 2022, during which an invitation to undertake a reciprocal visit was extended to President Ramaphosa.
South Africa and Spain maintain close and friendly bilateral relations, underpinned by strong and significant political ties. The relations consistently upholds the values of unity and dialogue, and that stands firm in defence of multilateralism at a time when these principles are increasingly under strain.
Spain’s commitment to cooperation, respect for international law, and constructive engagement on global challenges reflects values that resonate deeply with South Africa.
Spain recognises South Africa as a strategic partner as it seeks to significantly strengthen its political, economic, and people-to-people cooperation with the African continent.
Bilateral trade between South Africa and Spain increased by 8.3% from US$2,9 billion in 2024 to US$3,1 billion in 2025, which is an important indicator of the strengthening economic partnership between the two countries.
Over the past decade, more than 150 Spanish companies have invested in South Africa, creating over 20 000 jobs. – SAnews.gov.za
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