Ramaphosa to host German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Pretoria

CAPE TOWN - President Cyril Ramaphosa will host German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at his official residence in Pretoria on Friday in what’s been a busy week of receiving international visitors.

The presidency said the visit would highlight South Africa’s 37 years of democracy, as well as the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

On Thursday, Ramaphosa welcomed Angolan President João Lourenço on a state visit, during which the two countries cemented their pre-democracy bond.

On Wednesday, Ramaphosa also met with United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres to discuss the G20 African agenda.

Ramaphosa and Steinmeier will engage on a number of issues of mutual interest aimed at fostering closer cooperation between the two countries.

In 2018, the first year of Ramaphosa’s presidency, Steinmeier visited South Africa.

His latest stopover follows a three-day state visit to Nigeria before he heads to Lesotho on Saturday.

Steinmeier will be accompanied by 10 German CEOs and participate in a business roundtable. 
South Africa has a diverse relationship with Germany, which is the third largest market for South African exports.

Germany is also the third largest source of tourists to South Africa, as well as a major investor and development partner.

Once the business talks concluded, Steinmeier is expected to lay a wreath at Freedom Park.