WATCH | ‘We’re here to engage and learn’ — Ramaphosa holds talks with Canadian PM ahead of G7 summit

Ramaphosa

Calgary, Canada – President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Canada to participate in the G7 Outreach Summit, where he will represent South Africa in high-level engagements focused on global economic cooperation, peace, and the green transition.

Touching down at Calgary International Airport over the weekend, Ramaphosa was welcomed by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, South African High Commissioner to Canada Mo Shaik, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, Alberta Governor Salma Lakhani, and Deputy Mayor Raj Dhaliwal.

The G7 Outreach Session, taking place on the margins of the G7 Leaders Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta on 17 June, offers an opportunity for South Africa to engage with major world economies on matters ranging from critical minerals to sustainable development and global security.

Shortly after his arrival, Ramaphosa held a bilateral meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

The two leaders discussed deepening cooperation, particularly in areas of trade, investment, technology, and international governance frameworks like the G20 and G7.

“The cooperation between South Africa and Canada has strengthened this year, especially as it relates to the G20 and G7,” the Presidency noted.

“Canada remains a significant investor in South Africa, and both nations are well-positioned to partner in the growing global demand for critical minerals.”

Ramaphosa’s presence at the summit highlights South Africa’s ongoing push to strengthen its global partnerships and secure its role in shaping inclusive, sustainable international policies.

The G7, comprising Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, regularly invites non-member countries to join Outreach Sessions to foster broader dialogue on shared global priorities.

Quik recap:

What is President Cyril Ramaphosa doing in Canada?

President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Canada to participate in the G7 Outreach Summit, where he will represent South Africa in high-level engagements focused on global economic cooperation, peace, and the green transition.

Who welcomed President Ramaphosa upon his arrival in Canada?

Touching down at Calgary International Airport over the weekend, Ramaphosa was welcomed by:

  • International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola

  • South African High Commissioner to Canada Mo Shaik

  • Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand

  • Alberta Governor Salma Lakhani

  • Deputy Mayor Raj Dhaliwal

What is the G7 Outreach Summit and why is South Africa attending?

The G7 Outreach Session, taking place on the margins of the G7 Leaders Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta on 17 June, offers an opportunity for South Africa to engage with major world economies. Key topics include:

  • Critical minerals

  • Sustainable development

  • Global security

South Africa’s participation is aimed at strengthening its global partnerships and contributing to inclusive, sustainable international policies.

What did Ramaphosa and Prime Minister Mark Carney discuss?

Shortly after arriving, President Ramaphosa held a bilateral meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The two leaders discussed:

  • Deepening cooperation between South Africa and Canada

  • Trade and investment opportunities

  • Technological collaboration

  • Global governance through platforms like the G20 and G7

“The cooperation between South Africa and Canada has strengthened this year, especially as it relates to the G20 and G7,” noted the Presidency.

How are South Africa and Canada strengthening trade and investment ties?

Canada remains a significant investor in South Africa. Both countries are increasingly aligned in sectors such as:

  • Critical minerals

  • Clean energy

  • Technology
    This partnership supports both countries’ ambitions in the green economy and industrial innovation.

Why are South Africa and Canada partnering on critical minerals?

With growing global demand for critical minerals essential to green technologies, South Africa and Canada are seen as natural partners. Their collaboration aims to:

  • Secure supply chains

  • Support clean energy transitions

  • Boost economic growth through sustainable resource use

Why is the G7 inviting non-member countries like South Africa?

The G7, made up of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, regularly invites non-member countries to its Outreach Sessions.
These sessions foster broader international dialogue and ensure that global challenges are addressed with inclusive representation from emerging and developing economies

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