During his first visit to the European institutions since his arrival at the head of South Africa in February, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered an inspiring speech, featuring the figure of his illustrious predecessor, Nelson Mandela, on Wednesday 14 November in the European Parliament, on the eve of the EU/South Africa Summit (see other news).
Mr Ramaphosa expressed alarm at the "spectre of the resurgence of racism and xenophobia, cloaked in the mantle of nationalism", and expressed concern at the growing unilateralism in international affairs, turning to the models of Nelson Mandela and other great leaders to solve these challenges.
Recalling the historic ties between his country and the European Union, whether economic, social or political, the South African President called on Europe to continue to work together, not only to renew but also to strengthen this relationship.
He also underlined the importance of the values shared by the Union and South Africa, and welcomed the EU's continued support in implementing programmes to combat poverty, inequality and unemployment in his country.
Mr Ramaphosa called for European initiatives to be developed and implemented in accordance with the African Union's Agenda 2063.
"We must seek to ensure that these development initiatives support the creation of the continental free trade area and the industrialisation, infrastructure development and economic transformation of Africa", he added.
The President also hoped that European companies will respond to South Africa's call and continue to invest in the country.
In front of the press, Mr Ramaphosa also expressed his reassurance that Brexit would not affect the quality of the relationship between the two partners.
Finally, Mr Ramaphosa called on Europeans to work together to curb illegal migration, adding that this phenomenon "should be informed by principles of solidarity and compassion, and by an unwavering commitment to the human rights of all people". (Original version in French by Hermine Donceel)