Acting Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs John R. Bass met with South African Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation Zane Dangor yesterday 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 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. They discussed 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, representative 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 committed to continuing to work together to further our shared goals and build upon the important U.S.-South Africa relationship.
