South Africa and Pakistan push for deeper cooperation as global order shifts

Leaders call for renewed ties amid a shifting global order

South Africa and Pakistan are looking to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations as global geopolitical shifts reshape international cooperation, delegates said at a University of Johannesburg seminar on Tuesday.

Seminar explores new pathways for bilateral ties

The event, themed Global Shift and New Pathways: Revitalising Pakistan-SA Relations in a Changing World, brought together representatives from the diplomatic community, academia, business and research think-tanks, with inputs from students at the University of Johannesburg and Wits University.

Speakers examined how global geopolitical changes are restructuring trade, investment and economic positioning between the two countries and suggested options to boost cooperation. They also emphasised the importance of people-to-people and cultural integration to strengthen ties.

Calls for multilateralism and middle-power diplomacy

Speaking virtually from Pakistan, Senator Mushahid Hussain said like-minded countries must come together to promote multilateralism, which he said was threatened by rising unilateralism.

Pakistan’s high commissioner in South Africa, Malik Muhammad Farooq, told the seminar that world politics is now more divided, with economic pressures, security challenges and a decline in the relevance of multilateral systems. He noted that greater connectivity has also meant crises spread quickly and affect global markets.

“As important voices of the global south, our two countries possess historical solidarity and growing strategic relevance in shaping conversations around peace, inclusive development, mediation and global governance.”

Farooq said that when relations among major powers are strained, middle powers such as Pakistan and South Africa should “help keep space open for dialogue, restraint and diplomacy.” He added that Pakistan supports negotiated settlements and is playing a constructive role to reduce tension and facilitate dialogue between the US and Iran to avert a wider crisis in the Middle East.

South African perspective and shared priorities

Dave Malcomson, director-general of South Africa’s department of international relations and cooperation, said South Africa’s foreign policy is centred on human rights and that there is convergence between South Africa and Pakistan on defending the world against growing unilateralism.

Areas for cooperation

Participants stressed cooperation across diplomatic and economic spheres, highlighting trade and investment as key areas for revitalised engagement between the two countries.

The seminar underscored a shared view that stronger Pakistan–South Africa cooperation is needed as global instability reshapes trade routes, markets and international relations.