Switzerland was represented by President Keller-Sutter, Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin (Vice President of the Federal Council and head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research), Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis (head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs), and Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider (head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs). Both sides commended the breadth and the intended further strengthening of relations, with the Swiss delegation emphasising South Africa's important role in international forums such as the UN and the G20.
They discussed trade and business relations, the planned modernisation of the free trade agreement between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) as well as economic development cooperation, where South Africa has been a key partner for Switzerland since 2009. Cooperation on science, research and culture was also on the agenda.
Both sides commended cooperation at international level, also in the context of South Africa's G20 presidency. The global human rights situation and the standing of International Geneva were also discussed. The delegations exchanged views on how Switzerland and South Africa can work even more closely together on issues of mediation and democratic resilience.
Five documents signed
The five documents signed by the relevant members of the Federal Council and their South African counterparts following the talks cover economic cooperation, mediation issues and cooperation in the areas of vocational education and training (VET) and culture.
The Joint Statement on Economic Cooperation provides for a Swiss contribution to a South African urban development programme aimed at boosting the economy. In a Joint Statement on Economic Cooperation, the two countries reaffirm their intention to resume and advance negotiations on modernising the existing free trade agreement between the EFTA states and the SACU states. The Joint Declaration on Cooperation in the field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training lays the foundation for future cooperation between Swiss and South African VET stakeholders.
The Letter of Intent on cooperation in international peace mediation and strengthening democratic resilience provides for Switzerland and South Africa to deepen their cooperation in peace mediation, develop joint and inclusive approaches to the prevention and resolution of political and armed conflicts and jointly strengthen democratic resilience. The fifth document is a memorandum of understanding which aims to intensify cooperation in the areas of arts, culture and heritage.
Day 2 of state visit in eastern Switzerland
On Tuesday, 28 October, the eve of the state visit, cultural goods from the collection of the Neuchâtel Ethnographic Museum – a carved wooden stick, a divination basket and an amulet – were returned to South Africa. The town of Neuchâtel was the legal owner of the three items, which were returned voluntarily.
And on the same day a meeting of the Switzerland-South Africa Joint Economic Commission took place in Bern, co-chaired by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the South African Department of Industry, Trade and Competition (DITC). The talks focused on expanding and deepening bilateral economic and trade relations.
On Thursday, 30 October, the second day of the state visit will focus on business and vocational education and training. President Keller-Sutter and President Ramaphosa will visit an industrial firm in eastern Switzerland and a vocational school.
Further information:
https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/south-africa/en/home/switzerland-and/bilateral-relations.html
Address for enquiries:
Federal Department of Finance FDF Communications FDF +41 58 462 60 33 media@gs-efd.admin.ch
Publisher:
Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research
