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, part of the annual structured engagements between South Africa and the United States, focuses on bilateral, African, and global issues of common concern, aiming to explore opportunities for further collaboration. Both Chairpersons noted that the meeting highlights the value, importance, and enduring strength of the U.S.-South Africa relationship.
During 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 working together to push for peace. The U.S. and South African delegations expressed mutual interest in reforming and modernizing international institutions to ensure a more inclusive, representative United Nations.
Both Under Secretary Bass and Director-General Dangor emphasized the importance of efforts like WGAGI in strengthening the bilateral partnership. Under Secretary Bass commended Director-General Dangor on South Africa’s recent elections, noting that the smooth transition into coalition politics is a testament to the strength and resilience of South Africa’s democracy. The delegations committed to continuing their collaborative work to further shared goals and build upon the important U.S.-South Africa relationship.
