South African Embassy, Athens

16/06/2026

12/06/2026

Maritime: Posidonia Reception at South Africa’s Official Residence

The South African Embassy in Greece has identified the maritime sector as one of the key sectors in strengthening economic relations and cooperation.

With its strategic geographical location along the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, South Africa provides opportunities for potential investors and partners. It has advanced infrastructure in its ports and endeavours to offer quality maritime services, bunkering, repairs, logistics and trade facilitation for vessels and cargo moving between Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas.

Among other economic initiatives, the South African Embassy in Athens has forged a partnership with the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) and hosted a Posidonia Reception at South Africa’s Official Residence on 31 May 2026.

During the event, the Ambassador of South Africa to the Hellenic Republic, Dr Lindiwe Msengana-Ndlela thanked the Chair of IBIA, Mr Adrian Tolson and the Executive Director, Mr Alexander Prokopakis for the partnership since 2024.

Ambassador Msengana-Ndlela extended a warm welcome to the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr Arsenio Domingues. She thanked him for his exemplary stewardship of the IMO.

As a maritime nation, South Africa actively contributes to the strategic directions and programmes of the IMO. For instance, in advancing safe, secure, environmentally sustainable and efficient shipping, South Africa is actively involved in discussions on shipping decarbonisation and the implementation of the IMO’s 2023 Greenhouse Gas Strategy. It supports a balanced and inclusive transition that advances global climate ambitions while considering the developmental realities and capacity constraints of developing countries, particularly those in the African continent.

On maritime education and training South Africa is participating in the IMO’s Comprehensive Review of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers and Code (STCW Convention and Code).

South Africa advocates for enhanced capacity building and technical cooperation to ensure that it can implement future maritime requirements efficiently and meet the evolving needs of the industry.

The keynote address during the event was delivered by the Honourable Premier of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa, Mr Oscar Mabuyane, who led a multisectoral, oceans economy focused delegation to attend Posidonia 2026.

The working visit of the Premier to Greece was in line with the call of South Africa’s President, H.E. Mr Cyril Ramaphosa to strengthen international partnerships which can propel inclusive economic growth, trade and investments, job creation, skills development, innovation and poverty alleviation.

The SA Embassy wishes to thank all participants who made this Posidonia Reception a remarkable networking opportunity.

It was a worthwhile engagement with an international audience ahead of one of shipping’s leading exhibitions that are held in Athens bi-annually.

South African Embassy
Athens

29/05/2026

The Africa Springfest is a long standing initiative of the African diaspora community in Greece.

24/04/2026

South Africa–Serbia Political Consultations in Belgrade, Serbia

The South African Embassy in the Hellenic Republic, which is also accredited to Serbia, had the honour to provide support to the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr Alvin Botes during his visit to Serbia on 15-16 April 2026. Deputy Minister Botes met with his counterpart, the State Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, H.E. Mr Damjan Jović.

Discussions placed particular emphasis on advancing cooperation in trade, education, people to people and cultural exchanges. Both sides expressed a shared determination to expand the volume and diversity of existing trade relations, while encouraging increased investment flows. This includes strengthening business-to-business engagement across key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, mining, education, science, and technology. The consultations also highlighted the importance of expanding scholarship programmes.

During the courtesy meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, H.E. Mr Marco Durić the significance of South Africa-Serbia relations was further reaffirmed.

The meeting with Minister of Internal and Foreign Trade and Commissioner for Expo 2027, H.E. Ms Jagoda Lazarević served as a constructive exchange of views that is expected to yield enhanced cultural and bilateral trade opportunities toward improved market access for both countries.

On the margins of the consultations, Deputy Minister Botes also met with the Deputy President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Mihailo Vesović. The delegation also met with Dr. Marija Aleksic, Director of the Museum of African Art, where the importance of preserving and promoting the continent’s cultural heritage was emphasised.

Deputy Minister Botes was supported by the Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa, H.E. Dr Lindiwe Msengana-Ndlela, the Chief Director for Central, Eastern Europe, Nordics and Baltic Countries, Ms Phumzile Mazibuko and South Africa’s Honorary Consul in Serbia, Professor Marko Bumbasirevic. In attendance was also the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia accredited to South Africa, H.E. Mr Saša Mart.

The visit reaffirmed the strong foundations of South Africa - Serbia relations and set the tone for closer future collaboration.

24/04/2026

South African-Serbia Political Consultations, 15-16 April 2026