Ronald Lamola and Toshimitsu Motegi held talks in Pretoria, focusing on Middle East tensions and strategic cooperation.
The ministers agreed to deepen collaboration on critical minerals and energy transition, signalling a shared urgency to secure resilient and sustainable supply chains.
Motegi said Japan is working closely with South Africa to strengthen supply chain resilience through coordinated public and private sector engagement.
He added that Tokyo will support Pretoria’s decarbonisation efforts, with both sides committed to advancing practical steps in energy transition initiatives.
Motegi also indicated Japan’s interest in extending yen-denominated loans to support reforms in South Africa’s energy sector.
Lamola said South Africa seeks stronger energy ties and increased Japanese investment, while exploring new cooperation areas including defence equipment collaboration.
Beyond bilateral issues, the ministers discussed regional developments, including the Middle East, East Asia, the Russia-Ukraine war, and African peace efforts.
Motegi later met Cyril Ramaphosa, who expressed interest in expanding economic cooperation amid growing global uncertainty and shifting geopolitical dynamics.
Motegi emphasised Japan’s commitment to working with South Africa to uphold a rules-based, free and open international order.
Both sides agreed to strengthen coordination in international forums, reflecting a shared vision for multilateral engagement and global stability.
Motegi’s Africa tour, spanning Zambia, Angola, Kenya, and South Africa, underscored Japan’s strategic outreach across a resource-rich and geopolitically significant continent.
