# The European Union’s new ambassador to South Africa, Kristian Schmidt, says the relationship with the country could be leveraged to bolster domestic mineral processing. The EU remains the country’s largest source of foreign direct investment, with two-way trade totalling 851.71-billion-rand last year. Schmidt also sees significant potential for cooperation in other areas linked to the energy transition. He emphasises the EU’s approach to South Africa will continue to be framed around dialogue and cooperation rather than coercion.
EU wants great cooperation with South Africa on critical minerals and the broader energy transition