Deputy President Mashatile hosts Finnish Prime Minister in Pretoria

South Africa and Finland reaffirmed their strong and growing bilateral ties during a meeting at OR Tambo House on Wednesday, where Deputy President Paul Mashatile welcomed Finnish Prime Minister Anti Petteri Orpo and his delegation. President Cyril Ramaphosa was unable to attend and sent his regards.

Mashatile noted that the visit comes shortly after South Africa successfully hosted the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg and Finland’s participation in the 7th AU–EU Summit in Luanda, Angola, which marked 25 years since its establishment. He said the timing provides an opportunity to consolidate cooperation on trade, investment, digitalisation, and water management.

Accompanying the Deputy President were Deputy Minister of International Relations, Alvin Botes, and senior officials from the Presidency, International Relations, Trade, Industry and Competition, Electricity and Energy, as well as Digital Communication and Technology departments.

The inclusion of business leaders from Finland reflects an interest in exploring opportunities in smart and sustainable mining, water and built environments, and the development of smart cities.

Mashatile expressed appreciation for Finland’s support during South Africa’s G20 Presidency, particularly noting the participation of former President Alexander Stubb at short notice. He also highlighted the longstanding partnership since the dawn of South Africa’s democracy, which includes development agreements and expanded trade and investment across various sectors.

Mashatile referenced previous high-level engagements, including the 2023 State Visit by former President of Finland, Sauli Niinistö, which resulted in cooperation on water resource management, early childhood education, adult learning, out-of-school youth programs, and youth peace mediation initiatives. These projects were described as tangible evidence of the partnership’s substance and impact.

Water management and digitalisation were emphasised as central pillars of bilateral cooperation. Mashatile noted the 2023 Memorandum of Understanding on Water Resources, letters of intent with several municipalities, and the August 2025 visit by Minister of Water and Sanitation, Minister Majodina, to Finland. He also highlighted Finland’s participation in the inaugural Association of Water and Sanitation Institutions of South Africa Technical Conference earlier in November.

Mashatile further noted that South Africa and Finland continue to collaborate on innovation systems, start-up ecosystems, and digital infrastructure development, particularly in township areas. Both countries also share a commitment to multilateralism, equitable representation in the United Nations, human rights, climate action, and sustainable peacebuilding initiatives.

The meeting reflects the shared history and solidarity between South Africa and Finland, with Deputy President Mashatile emphasising that continued cooperation will support both nations’ development priorities and contribute to broader regional and global progress.