M. Nicolas Hulot, French Ministre d’État, Minister for the Ecological and Inclusive Transition, visits South Africa [fr]

M. Nicolas Hulot, French Ministre d’État, Minister for the Ecological and Inclusive Transition, undertakes an official visit to South Africa from 13 to 18 July 2018.

This visit has a dual purpose. On the one hand, it is for the French Government to pay tribute to the memory of Nelson Mandela, a great icon of humanity. On the other hand, the visit of M. Hulot, whose portfolio includes the environment, energy and transport, marks the wish of the French government to strengthen, with South Africa, a strategic partner of France, our already strong cooperation and explore new opportunities in these different areas.

In addition to the participation of the M. Hulot in the annual Mandela Day commemorations, alongside senior South African personalities, M. Hulot’s programme - which includes travel to Pretoria, Johannesburg and Cape Town - illustrates the desire to tighten the links between the two countries in areas such as the fight against drought linked to climate change, the development of alternative energy sources and means of collective and environmentally-friendly transport.

During this visit, M. Hulot will award Ms. Edna Molewna, South African Minister of Environmental Affairs, the insignia of Officer in the French Legion of Honour for her long-standing commitment to the fight against climate change and the protection of biodiversity.

During the French Embassy’s celebration of 14 July, M. Hulot and other high-level personalities of the Republic of South Africa will have the occasion to recall together, in a sincere and festive setting, the universal values to which both countries are attached./.