South African President Ramaphosa hosts German counterpart

JOHANNESBURG

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday hosted his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier in the capital Pretoria, where they discussed a range of mutually beneficial issues, including strengthening strategic relationships.

The visit commemorates the 30th anniversary of South Africa's democracy and the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, according to a statement issued by the South African presidency.

It said the two leaders will have the opportunity to discuss a variety of issues of mutual interest, thereby strengthening their strategic relationship and fostering closer cooperation between the two countries.

Steinmeier arrived in South Africa on Thursday after making a state visit to Nigeria.

He is accompanied by a business delegation of 10 CEOs from various German firms and will attend a business roundtable later on Friday.

He will also lay a wreath at Freedom Park in Pretoria and visit the neighboring country Lesotho on Saturday before returning to South Africa for his flight to Germany.

The presidency said South Africa has a "very substantial and diverse relationship" with Germany.

“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,” it said.

During a state visit to South Africa in 2018, Steinmeier and Ramaphosa agreed to strengthen their countries' diplomatic and trade relations.

"We agreed to continue our efforts to further expand trade and investment between South Africa and Germany," Ramaphosa said at a joint press conference with Steinmeier in Cape Town at the time.