President Cyril Ramaphosa will host the Head of Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel, on an official visit on Thursday, 06 February 2020, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Chancellor Merkel is visiting South Africa at the invitation of President Ramaphosa from Wednesday 05 February to Friday 07 February 2020.
This visit follows the successful State Visit by the Head of State of the Federal Republic of Germany, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, in Cape Town in November 2018.
South Africa and Germany’s strategic relationship is substantiated by 72 bilateral agreements between the two nations, providing a legal framework for cooperation in several areas.
These relations are further enhanced through a Binational Commission, spanning Foreign and Security Policy, Migration and Humanitarian Assistance, Economy and Energy Development Cooperation, Environment, Science and Technology, Arts and Culture, Labour and Social Affairs and Vocational Education and Training.
This partnership will be strengthened through this week’s engagement between President Ramaphosa and Chancellor Merkel on, among other issues, cooperation between South Africa and Germany in the United Nations Security Council where South Africa currently serves as a Non-Permanent Member. The two countries are committed to advocating for world peace and security, strengthening and reform of multilateral institutions and responding to climate change.
The leaders will also exchange proposals on the expansion of mutually beneficial trade and investment.
South Africa is Germany’s largest trading partner in Africa and while Germany is the third largest source of overseas visitors to South Africa.
Approximately 600 German companies are represented in South Africa. Total trade reached R235 billion over the 12 months to the end of November 2019, while South African exports (at R108 billion) exceeded R100 billion for the first time, narrowing the trade deficit.
President Ramaphosa and Chancellor Merkel will also co-chair the South Africa-Germany Business Roundtable accompanied by their respective Ministers and business delegations.
The programme for the Official Visit by the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany is as follows:
Welcome Ceremony
Date: 06 February 2020
Time: 09:00 (media to arrive at 07:00)
Venue: Union Buildings
Media Briefing
Date: 6 February
Time: 11h00
Venue: Union Buildings
South Africa - Germany Business Roundtable Co-Chaired by President Ramaphosa and Chancellor Merkel
Date: 6 February 2020
Time: 14h00
Venue: Sheraton Hotel, Pretoria
Media interested in covering the Official Visit are requested to send their details (names and surname, ID or passport number and media house) to Khutjo Sebata on 079 898 4621 or khutjo@presidency.gov.za by no later than 14h00 on Tuesday, 04 February 2020.
Media enquiries:
Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President
Cell: 072 854 5707
