Aboard a special train gliding through the serene Swiss countryside, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Karin Keller-Sutter of the Swiss Confederation held a working breakfast with Swiss business leaders.
The meeting shared economic ambition between the two nations and was a picturesque scene for conversation rooted in trade, investment and innovation. The early morning journey from Kehrsatz Station to Uzwil unfolded against a backdrop of breath-taking Swiss landscapes, rolling hills, pristine lakes and quaint villages – setting a picturesque scene for a conversation rooted in trade, investment and innovation. The engagement, attended by representatives of Switzerland’s leading industries, focused on strengthening economic relations and fostering direct exchanges between South Africa and the Swiss private sector.
Discussions highlighted opportunities in industrial modernisation, life sciences, logistics, financial services and skills development President Ramaphosa said the discussions on board the moving train represented not only a deepening of ties between governments, but also an invitation for the private sector to play a greater role in advancing shared prosperity.
Welcoming the South Africans and delegates aboard the train, President Keller-Sutter echoed the sentiment, describing the gathering as a continuation of the productive engagements that have defined President Ramaphosa’s State Visit. “We are really happy to also welcome the delegation from the Swiss economy; some really fine businesses are represented today.
“We are happy to have an exchange with you, Mr President, along with your delegation. She spoke about the excellent relationship between South Africa and Switzerland. and noted that yesterday several documents or memoranda of understanding to deepen the relationship between the two countries in various fields were signed. Five key cooperation documents were signed by members of the Swiss Federal Council and South African Cabinet Ministers yesterday. This followed discussions between President Cyril Ramaphosa and his South African ministerial team and Swiss President, Karin Keller-Sutter, and her Ministers.
* The first agreement, is a Letter of Intent between the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland and the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation. It focuses on cooperation in international peace mediation and strengthening democratic resilience. It was signed by Minister Lamola and Swiss Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis.
* The second agreement, a Joint Declaration of Cooperation between the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research of Switzerland and the Department of Higher Education and Training of South Africa, establishes collaboration in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). It was signed by Minister Manamela and Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin.
* The third agreement, a Joint Statement on Economic Cooperation, reaffirms the two countries’ intention to resume and advance negotiations on modernising the free trade agreement between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). It was signed by Deputy Minister Godlimpi and Federal Councillor Parmelin.
* The fourth agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in urban sustainable development in South Africa, provides for a Swiss contribution to a South African urban development programme aimed at boosting the economy. It was signed by Minister Lamola and Federal Councillor Parmelin.
* The fifth agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of arts, culture and heritage, seeks to intensify cooperation in cultural exchange and heritage preservation. It was signed by Minister Manamela and Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider.
According to the Swiss Federal Council, the State Visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa serves as an opportunity for Switzerland and South Africa to strengthen relations.
“Prior to the signign yesterday the SA President was received by the full Federal Council. Official talks focused on bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries at international level,” the Swiss government said. Both countries commended the breadth and intended strengthening of relations, with the Swiss delegation emphasising South Africa’s important role in international forums such as the United Nations and the Group of Twenty (G20).
Discussions also covered trade and business relations, economic development cooperation, science and research partnerships, as well as cooperation in mediation, democratic resilience and cultural exchange.
The two governments hailed the visit as the beginning of a new chapter in South Africa–Switzerland relations, one that deepens collaboration, drives innovation, and promotes shared prosperity through sustainable development and inclusive growth.
In the opening dicussions President Ramaphosa expressed appreciation for Switzerland’s hospitality and the strong foundations of cooperation built between the two countries throughout the year.
“Let me thank you very much for the incredibly warm welcome that you have shown us. We are truly honoured and well welcomed, the hospitality that you have shown to us as South Africa is something that we really appreciate.” – edited Source SAnews
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