Edited, kougachronicle, 28 October: President Cyril Ramaphosa is Switzerland this morning for a two-day State Visit at the invitation of President Karin Keller-Sutter of the Swiss Confederation.
He was met at Zurich International Airport by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, South African Ambassador to Switzerland, Phaswana Moloto, and Ambassador Terrence Billeter of the Swiss Confederation.
The SA Presidency says the engagement will promote mutually beneficial cooperation and inclusive growth between the two countries. It will provide an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations, deepen economic cooperation, and advance partnerships in science, technology, arts and culture, and youth skills development.
Swiss statistics include South Africa’s gold exports and these show that total trade had reached R159.5 billion (exports R85.4 billion and imports R74.1 billion). This has positioned Switzerland as South Africa’s sixth largest trading partner.
South Africa’s primary exports to Switzerland include precious metals and stones – particularly gold, machinery and agricultural products such as wine, fruit and nuts as well as base metals. Major imports comprise pharmaceutical products, machinery, and medical equipment
Tomorrow, President Ramaphosa will hold official talks with President Karin Keller-Sutter on a range of bilateral issues, including South Africa’s upcoming G20 Presidency. The programme includes the signing two agreements – a Cooperation Agreement in Arts, Culture and Heritage and a Letter of Intent on Cooperation in Peace Mediation and Democracy Resilience.
“The agreements will strengthen cultural ties, explore new cooperation initiatives under domestic law and promote joint efforts in peace-making and mediation within multilateral organisations,” the Presidency said.
The meeting with the Swiss Government will reinforce the shared cultural and historical ties between the two nations. On Thursday, Presidents Ramaphosa and President Keller-Sutter will visit an industrial firm in eastern Switzerland and a vocational school, highlighting the importance of vocational education and training. This school offers dual education and apprenticeship programmes with hands-on workshops, specialised training rooms, and open learning spaces that support practical, connected learning. The visit forms part of a youth cooperation initiative aimed at equipping young people with skills for the modern economy.
The President will also engage with Swiss business leaders, promoting economic development and collaboration across key sectors. .
The President is accompanied by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande; Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, and Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperation, Zuko Godlimpi – source SANews SAnews.gov.za
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