The aim is to strengthen political, economic and social relations through structured bilateral agreements and high‐level engagements to advance South Africa’s national priorities, the African Agenda and South‐South cooperation. The department embraces relevant national priorities by strengthening bilateral cooperation with individual countries, particularly through focussing on increasing exports of South African goods and services, foreign direct investment with technology transfers into value‐added industries and mineral beneficiation, and inbound tourism and skills enhancement.