South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, marking a renewed effort to deepen bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
During the high-level meeting, held in South Africa, the two leaders discussed a broad range of shared priorities, including clean energy, employment opportunities, tourism, and cultural exchange programmes.
The visit reflects a growing partnership between Austria and South Africa, both of which are looking to collaborate more closely on global and domestic development goals.
Van der Bellen emphasised the strength of their diplomatic relationship, noting that both countries are forward-looking and united in their desire to create a better future.
“As you can see, Austria and South Africa are active partners who are both committed to building a good future, and I regard the political relations between our two countries as excellent,” he stated.
President Ramaphosa echoed these sentiments, underscoring the importance of economic collaboration.
He highlighted Austria’s existing investment and trade relations with South Africa and expressed optimism about expanding these further.
“Your visit today marks a new chapter for the relations between Austria and South Africa as we seek to deepen investment and trade between our two countries,” Ramaphosa said.
Van der Bellen also commended South Africa for its democratic progress, praising it as a global example of a nation that has successfully transitioned from a difficult and divided past.
