South African President Cyril Ramaphosa hosted German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Pretoria on Friday to discuss deepening strategic ties and fostering closer cooperation. The visit coincided with the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s democracy and the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, as highlighted by the South African presidency.
Steinmeier, who arrived in South Africa after a state visit to Nigeria, was accompanied by a business delegation of 10 German CEOs. He is set to attend a business roundtable and lay a wreath at Freedom Park in Pretoria. He will also visit neighboring Lesotho on Saturday before returning to South Africa for his departure to Germany.
The presidency emphasized Germany’s significant role as one of South Africa’s most important strategic partners. Germany ranks as the third-largest market for South African exports, a major source of tourists, and a key investor and development partner.
The visit builds on commitments made during Steinmeier’s 2018 state visit to South Africa, where both leaders pledged to strengthen diplomatic and trade relations. President Ramaphosa reaffirmed the importance of continuing efforts to expand trade and investment between the two nations.