President Ramaphosa hails Switzerland’s friendship and commitment to peace

President Ramaphosa hails Switzerland’s friendship and commitment to peace By Dikeledi Molobela Bern, Switzerland - President Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded Switzerland for its enduring friendship with South Africa and its steadfast commitment to peace, democracy and prosperity, saying the two nations share a deep belief in dialogue, justice and global cooperation. “Yours is a country that is admired around the world for its democracy, prosperity and commitment to peace. On behalf of the people and Government of South Africa, I convey my deep appreciation for the kind invitation, the warm welcome and the enduring friendship between our two nations,” President Ramaphosa said. Addressing the Swiss Parliament in Bern on Wednesday, President Ramaphosa reflected on the historic repatriation of sacred artefacts of the Nkuna royal family from Switzerland to South Africa. He described the gesture as a powerful act of healing and respect for human dignity. “More than pieces in a museum, these objects carry the memory of generations and the identity of a people. This act of repatriation speaks to who we are – both Switzerland and South Africa. It speaks to our shared belief that dialogue can heal what conflict has broken, and that the dignity of every human being transcends borders and time,” he said. The President paid tribute to the Swiss citizens and organisations that stood in solidarity with South Africans during the struggle against apartheid, saying this shared history had “planted the seeds of friendship and cooperation”. He commended Switzerland’s global role in mediation, diplomacy and humanitarian relief. South Africa and Switzerland, he said, both believe that peace “is not merely the silence after the guns have stopped, but the presence of justice and development”. “Peace is about justice and development. It is about communities flourishing and economies growing. South Africa supports Switzerland’s efforts to promote peace through mediation and diplomacy. We welcome your active role in conflict prevention and humanitarian relief around the world,” President Ramaphosa said. The President noted that both countries’ commitment to infrastructure, industrialisation and digital innovation opens vast horizons for partnership. “Our vision embraces women taking their rightful place in the economy, young people igniting innovation and small enterprises growing into mighty engines of prosperity. Together, we can prove that economic growth and environmental stewardship are not adversaries but allies,” he said. Earlier in the day, President Ramaphosa was received by Swiss President Keller-Sutter during a ceremonial welcome at the Federal Square in Bern. The official proceedings began with a photo opportunity, followed by the introduction of the two delegations. The Swiss Army Military Band played the national anthems of countries before President Ramaphosa inspected the Guard of Honour. The two Heads of State then greeted members of the public during a walk to the Swiss House of Parliament’s Wandelhalle. The day’s engagements form part of a State Visit aimed at strengthening political, economic and scientific ties between South Africa and Switzerland. A key focus of the visit is the advancement of a youth cooperation framework, which seeks to promote training and capacity building to equip young people with the skills required in the modern economy. South Africa is Switzerland’s key partner in science, research and technology on the African continent. Switzerland’s 2022 accession to the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) deepened collaboration in space and radio astronomy, underscoring a shared commitment to global scientific advancement. The relationship between the two countries remains long-standing and robust, built on constructive political dialogue, strong economic ties and collaboration in multilateral forums. The visit marks what President Ramaphosa described as “the beginning of the next chapter” in South Africa–Switzerland relations, one defined by transformation, innovation and shared prosperity. “This will be a chapter defined by lives transformed, thriving partnerships and a world that is more just, more peaceful and more sustainable,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za DikelediM Wed, 10/29/2025 - 20:04 305 views

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