South African President Ramaphosa hosts German counterpart

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa hosted German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Pretoria on Friday to commemorate 30 years of South African democracy and the 35th anniversary of the Berlin Wall’s fall.

The leaders discussed strengthening strategic relations and fostering closer cooperation between the two nations.

“Germany is one of South Africa’s most important strategic partners and is the third largest market for South African exports, the third largest source of overseas tourists, as well as a major investor and development partner,” the South African presidency said in a statement.

Steinmeier arrived in South Africa on Thursday after a state visit to Nigeria, accompanied by a business delegation of 10 CEOs from German firms. On Friday, he participated in a business roundtable and laid a wreath at Freedom Park in Pretoria. He is also scheduled to visit neighboring Lesotho on Saturday before returning to Germany.

During the meeting, Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of deepening trade and investment ties. “We agreed to continue our efforts to further expand trade and investment between South Africa and Germany,” he said, referencing their 2018 agreement to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations.

Steinmeier’s visit underscores the robust partnership between the two countries, which share a “substantial and diverse relationship,” according to the South African presidency.