South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa hosted Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen at a State Visit in Pretoria, marking a renewed commitment to deepening cooperation between the two nations.
The visit encompassed a wide spectrum of collaborative sectors, ranging from arts and culture to renewable energy, education, trade, infrastructure, and waste management systems. Highlighting the meeting’s significance, Ramaphosa expressed eagerness to expand teamwork in green hydrogen development, citing Austria’s progress in this area, such as its first green hydrogen plant launched in 2023.
At the same time, South Africa and Austria signed two key memoranda of understanding (MoUs). These agreements focus on enhancing consular cooperation and advancing technical and vocational education and training (TVET), drawn from Austria’s renowned work-based learning systems. President van der Bellen commended the progress made by Austrian companies, like ALPLA, in Africa and emphasized the integration of ecological sustainability with job creation.
President Ramaphosa underscored Austria’s status as South Africa’s leading European trading partner in Africa, citing more than 70 Austrian enterprises already active in South Africa. He highlighted significant potential to increase investment in clean energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, and tourism, reinforcing both countries’ shared goal of transitioning toward low-carbon economies.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism amid global instability, calling for reform of institutions like the UN Security Council. They expressed mutual support for the principles of solidarity, equality, and sustainability, which reflect South Africa’s G20 Presidency priorities and Austria’s Africa Strategy.
The State Visit will conclude with a high-level South Africa–Austria Business Forum intended to propel increased trade, collaboration, and investment across vital sectors