President Ramaphosa Concludes Strategic Working Visit to Canada Following G7 Outreach Engagements

17 June 2025 | Pretoria, South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded a productive working visit to Canada, where he participated in the G7 Summit Outreach Session held in Kananaskis, Alberta. The engagement, hosted on the margins of the G7 Leaders Summit, marked a significant step in advancing South Africa’s diplomatic agenda under its current G20 Presidency.

The G7, composed of the world’s largest advanced economies—Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States—along with the European Union as a participant, is a vital platform for addressing complex global issues.

“South Africa views the G7 as a strategic partner. We seek greater cooperation in areas such as investment, financing for development, international crime, climate change and just transitions, as well as inclusive global growth and development,” stated President Ramaphosa during his address at the Outreach Session.

Under Canada’s 2025 G7 Presidency, the Summit focused on global peace and security, economic resilience, and the digital transition. This year’s Outreach theme was centered on energy security through technology and innovation, the diversification of critical mineral supply chains, and robust infrastructure and investment strategies—issues that align strongly with South Africa’s G20 priorities.

President Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of ensuring the G7’s actions complement the aspirations of the Global South, advocating for systemic reforms:
“The G7 should support the efforts of the Global South to create a fair, just and inclusive global order that will foster sustainable development for all. The G7 must also support the reform of international institutions such as the UN Security Council and the global financial architecture.”

On the sidelines of the summit, President Ramaphosa engaged in bilateral discussions with leaders from Canada, France, Germany, and the Republic of Korea. These meetings focused on strengthening cooperation on mutual interests and enhancing strategic partnerships, particularly in areas aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

The President also welcomed growing ties with Canada, highlighting the alignment between Canada’s Africa strategy and the African development agenda.
“Canada’s Africa strategy is comprehensive and there is potential for cooperation in areas where there is alignment with the African Agenda,” President Ramaphosa noted.

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, accompanied President Ramaphosa throughout the visit. The high-level engagements, which included discussions at the Ministerial and Sherpa levels, underscore South Africa’s intent to leverage international platforms for inclusive and sustainable development.

President Ramaphosa’s participation in the G7 Outreach Session not only strengthened diplomatic ties but also reinforced South Africa’s leadership role on the global stage as it prepares to host the G20 Summit later this year.