Thank you, my friend, for the opportunity to have this trilateral here with you today.
Indeed, we have met in Rome, we have met in Canada, now we are here in Johannesburg. And within one year, that speaks for the excellent relationship that we have. We have a lot of topics on our agenda. I want to highlight three.
Indeed, it is the negotiations for the free trade agreement. Our ministers have just met and have very constructive negotiations. We both know that the last mile is always the hardest, but I am absolutely confident and it is worth it. Because we are very like-minded and there are a lot of good opportunities.
We have security and defence. It has become a big pillar in our relationship. And here, indeed, we are negotiating the security and defence partnership. There, too, I am confident. It is on a very good track forward. It shows how close the relationship is.
And of course, I would love to see innovation and research, the association to Horizon Europe growing, the network for researchers – the brilliant minds should be united, even an ocean apart. But this speaks for the excellent cooperation that we have.
So thank you very much for giving us the time.
