By Dikeledi Molobela
Bern, Switzerland - 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 said it was an honour to host a South African President for the first time on a State Visit, marking a new chapter in Swiss–South African relations.
“While Nelson Mandela officially visited Switzerland in 1997, today is the first time that Switzerland is hosting a South African President for a State Visit. And this State Visit is particularly important. It symbolises the longstanding partnership between Switzerland and South Africa, matured through decades of dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect,” President Keller-Sutter said.
She said that history appeared to repeat itself as President Ramaphosa strengthened relations through frequent engagements this year.
“More than 8000 kilometres lie between Bern and Pretoria. And yet, from the alpine peaks to the plateau of the highveld, the distance between Switzerland and South Africa is relative, thanks to the similarities and close relationship between our two countries.
“And it’s therefore no coincidence that we’re seeing each other for the fourth time already this year. I had the honour and pleasure of meeting you in January in Davos, in February in your country, in September in New York and now, as I welcome you to Switzerland for the second time,” she said.
President Keller-Sutter said Switzerland’s relationship with South Africa was built on mutual trust and a shared commitment to peace, democracy, and sustainable development.
She acknowledged that, like all longstanding partnerships, the relationship had endured difficult periods in history but had since evolved into one of constructive cooperation and respect.
“I am therefore very pleased that today our relationship reflects the spirit of two countries which, though located on different continents, share varied and vibrant bilateral relations,” she said.
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 prime trading partner on the African continent. Our countries exchange more than US$4 billion worth of goods. More than 100 Swiss companies are active in South Africa, creating more than 50 000 jobs. South Africa is the first destination for Swiss foreign direct investment in Africa,” she said.
Switzerland views South Africa as a strategic partner in trade and economic cooperation, she said, noting that discussions were underway to modernise the free-trade agreement between the two countries.
“Our countries can count on a broad set of agreements to facilitate trade and investment. And in view of current global developments, it is worth noting that already in 1997, Switzerland exempted most South African industrial goods and certain agricultural products from import duties.
“I am confident that this State Visit will also help jump-start the ongoing discussions to modernise our free trade agreement,” the President said.
President Keller-Sutter expressed satisfaction that ministers from both sides would sign five new agreements aimed at deepening cooperation in trade, diplomacy, vocational training, and culture.
“Our relationship does not limit itself to trade. Our ministries of foreign affairs work together closely on a number of projects and activities, bilaterally as well as in international fora,” she said.
She praised South Africa’s role in peacebuilding and mediation, noting that its experience in overcoming apartheid made it uniquely positioned to contribute to global conflict resolution.
“In the current geopolitical context – marked by a rising tendency to resort to political hatred, polarisation, and even armed violence and war to deal with differences – it is all the more important to promote and defend mediation and democracy to help prevent and resolve conflicts.
“South Africa, with its history and experience of overcoming apartheid, is best placed to understand the importance of mediation and to support other countries in their search for peaceful conflict resolution.”
She was therefore pleased a declaration of intent would be signed to strengthen cooperation in mediation and promoting democracy.
“Our countries have the background, the experience and now the institutional framework to work together internationally to jointly promote peacebuilding efforts,” she said.
She further noted that collaboration in science and culture was flourishing, pointing to the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) as a prime example of international cooperation advancing human knowledge.
“Since 2022, our countries have worked together on the Square Kilometre Array Observatory, a globally significant project aiming to build the largest radio telescope ever constructed. This project illustrates what is possible through knowledge and scientific cooperation: bringing nations and people together and opening perspectives for the future.”
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.
“It is an important symbolic step in our bilateral relations. Additionally, the five agreements being signed today – in trade, vocational training, diplomacy and culture – testify to our clear willingness to intensify our bilateral cooperation. Thank you, Mr President, for your presence here today,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
