At the invitation of Her Excellency Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel of the Federal Republic of Germany, His Excellency President Jacob Zuma will undertake an official visit to Germany on 10 November 2015.
South Africa and Germany have a strategic relationship, with regular structured dialogue and cooperation covering a broad range of areas, including political dialogue, trade and investment, science and technology, the environment, development cooperation, energy, defence, labour and social affairs, vocational education and training, as well as arts and culture.
South Africa and Germany also enjoy very strong, long-standing, and growing trade and investment relations. In 2014, Germany ranked as South Africa's 2nd largest global trading partner, 4th largest global export market for South African goods and as the 2nd largest importer into South Africa, whilst South Africa also remains in the top thirty of Germany's global trading partners.
There are over 600 German companies invested in South Africa providing over 100 000 employment opportunities mainly in the automotive industry, the chemical industry, as well as in the mechanical and electrical engineering sectors.
During their official talks, President Zuma and Chancellor Merkel will review a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues. President Zuma will also pay a courtesy call on Federal President Joachim Gauck, address South African and German business leaders in Berlin, and provide the closing statement at a Symposium on Youth Skills Development and Employment.
Enquiries:
Bongani Majola
Cell: 082 339 1993
E-mail: bonganim@presidency.gov.za
Clayson Monyela
Cell: 082 884 5974
