Press Release: Commission proposes to upgrade EU’s relations with South Africa to a Strategic Partnership

The European Commission on 28 June 2006 adopted a Communication proposing a Strategic Partnership between the European Union and South Africa. The document set out a comprehensive long-term framework for the EU’s relations with South Africa, taking into account the country’s position as an anchor in the region and its important role on the African continent and in international relations. This renewed partnership would cover political and economic relations and build on existing privileged relations.