Bern: President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State Visit to Switzerland has been described as a historic moment reaffirming the enduring partnership and shared values between the two nations. Speaking during an official ceremony at the Swiss House of Parliament in Bern, President Karin Keller-Sutter expressed her honor in hosting a South African President for a State Visit for the first time, marking a new chapter in Swiss-South African relations.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Keller-Sutter highlighted the significance of this visit, noting that while Nelson Mandela officially visited Switzerland in 1997, this was the first occasion for a formal State Visit by a South African President. She emphasized the symbolic importance of the visit, which represents the longstanding partnership between Switzerland and South Africa, matured through decades of dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect.
President Keller-Sutter noted the frequent engagements between the two countries’ leaders this year, which have strengthened their relationship. She acknowledged the geographical distance between Bern and Pretoria but emphasized the close relationship and similarities between the two nations.
Switzerland’s relationship with South Africa is built on mutual trust and a shared commitment to peace, democracy, and sustainable development. Despite enduring difficult periods in history, the relationship has evolved into one of constructive cooperation and respect.
The Swiss President highlighted the depth of collaboration between the two nations, pointing to strong economic, scientific, and cultural ties. In trade, South Africa is a key partner on the African continent, with the two countries exchanging more than US$4 billion worth of goods. Over 100 Swiss companies are active in South Africa, creating more than 50,000 jobs. South Africa is also the primary destination for Swiss foreign direct investment in Africa.
Discussions are underway to modernize the free-trade agreement between the two countries, and President Keller-Sutter expressed confidence that this State Visit would help facilitate these talks. The visit also includes the signing of five new agreements aimed at deepening cooperation in trade, diplomacy, vocational training, and culture.
President Keller-Sutter praised South Africa’s role in peacebuilding and mediation, highlighting its experience in overcoming apartheid as uniquely positioning it to contribute to global conflict resolution. A declaration of intent will be signed to strengthen cooperation in mediation and promoting democracy.
Collaboration in science and culture is also flourishing, with the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) serving as a prime example of international cooperation advancing human knowledge. Since 2022, Switzerland and South Africa have worked together on this globally significant project to build the largest radio telescope ever constructed.
President Keller-Sutter concluded her remarks by reaffirming Switzerland’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and commending President Ramaphosa’s visit as a significant and long-awaited milestone. The five agreements signed in trade, vocational training, diplomacy, and culture further testify to the commitment to intensify bilateral cooperation.