Fresh off of his State trip to Southeast Asia, President Cyril Ramaphosa will next meet with Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter, at her invitation, between October 29 and 30.

Ramaphosa will travel to the Swiss capital of Bern with a delegation that includes International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola; Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Professor Blade Nzimande; Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela, and Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Zuko Godlimpi.

The aim of the visit, according to the Presidency, will be to strengthen ties in trade, investment, skills development and science and innovation.

Switzerland is a key partner in science, research and technology and so a key focus for the South African delegation will be on youth training and capacity building.

“The relationship between the two countries is long-standing, marked by strong economic ties, constructive political dialogue, and collaboration in multilateral forums,” the Presidency said.

Switzerland is South Africa’s sixth largest trading partner.

“Switzerland remains one of South Africa's key European trading partners. Total trade volume amounted to R18.2-billion in 2024 (exports R5.7-billion and imports R12.5-billion - Sars), which places Switzerland as the thirtieth largest export market for South Africa and Switzerland as the thirty-fifth largest source of imports. However, Swiss statistics include South Africa’s gold exports and these show that total trade had reached R159.5-billion (exports R85.4-billion and imports R74.1-billion),” the Presidency revealed.

Both countries have signed 22 bilateral agreements that include bilateral air services, double taxation, development cooperation, science and technology and a visa agreement.

The visit will also see the signing of two cooperation agreements on  Arts, Culture and Heritage and Letter of Intent on Cooperation in Peace Mediation and Democracy Resilience.  

"The agreements will strengthen cultural ties, explore new cooperation initiatives under domestic law and promote joint efforts in peace-making and mediation within multilateral organisations.The South African Government will also receive a number of heritage artefacts of the Nkuna Royal Family from the Government of Switzerland," the Presidency said.