"We discussed the development of economic cooperation, especially strengthening in the field of innovation and technology. Mutual trade is steadily growing and Czech investments in South Africa are also increasing," said Deputy Minister Kozák. The South Africans assured the Czech side that Czech investments are welcome in the country and promised to cooperate on further deepening them and resolving any complications. The growing trend of mutual trade is positively influenced, among other things, by the Economic Partnership Agreement between the EU and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), of which South Africa is a part.

The consultations also covered current geopolitical issues, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. "I stressed that the Czechia's position on the conflict in Ukraine remains unchanged and our support for the embattled Ukraine continues," said Deputy Minister Kozák. The partners also discussed the situation in the Gaza Strip. "We agreed on the need for the immediate, unconditional release of hostages and the prevention of suffering of the civilian population and further civilian casualties. At the same time, I stressed that the Czechia continues to defend Israel's right to self-defence," Kozák said.

The debate on the African region focused on the developments in the Great Lakes region, where South Africa is actively involved in the peacekeeping operations of the SADC troops, and on the humanitarian and refugee crisis caused by the conflict in Sudan. There was also a discussion on the future direction and development of the security situation in the Sahel.

The Czech Republic is seeking regular political consultations with an increasing number of countries in sub-Saharan Africa. "These meetings are one of the key tools for understanding the views and needs of African partners, which leads to a convergence of positions in multilateral fora and thus to strengthening the Czech Republic's international political importance," summarised Deputy Minister Kozák.

In addition to the meetings of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Kozák attended a one-day programme on science diplomacy, which included meetings with representatives of the South African Ministry of Science and Innovation. On this occasion, a seminar was also held at the premises of the South African Council for Science and Industrial Research (CSIR). Cooperation between Czech and South African scientists is already underway in several areas. But there is much more room for cooperation between universities and innovative companies. This part of the programme was attended on behalf of the Czech Academy of Sciences by Prof. David Honys, who coordinates international cooperation at the institution.