(IRNA) - EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana met in Brussels Tuesday with South African Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.
The two officials discussed EU-South Africa relations as well as major regional and international issues, including the Iran nuclear dossier, the transition process in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the situation in Sudan, Darfur, relations with China and the Middle East peace process, said a brief statement issued by Solana's office Tuesday evening, reports Trend.
Earlier, Zuma participated in the 7th EU-South Africa Cooperation Council. The two sides agreed in principle to build an EU-South Africa strategic partnership in order to join efforts to resolve international and regional issues of common interest.
Trade between South Africa and the EU has grown significantly.
The EU remains South Africa's largest trading partner accounting for 37 billion euros worth of trade last year, just under 40 percent of South Africa's total imports and exports.
EU foreign direct investment in South Africa in 2004 totalled a further 4.6 billion euros.