SA and Germany commit to improved bilateral relations

• Published date: 24 May 2022
• Publication title: South African Official News

The Federal Republic of Germany has committed to support South Africa's efforts towards industrialisation, infrastructure development and job creation as laid out in the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.

President Cyril Ramaphosa told this to the media following bilateral talks with his German Counterpart, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, on Tuesday.

The two Statesmen earlier engaged in a tete-a-tete where they discussed a number of issues of bilateral and international concern, including ways to enhance cooperation in areas such as energy and climate change, trade and investment, and responses to COVID-19 and vaccine demand.

Germany has been a partner in development since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries and the inauguration of the Bi-National Commission in 1996.

It is South Africa's second largest trading partner and in tourism, the third largest single source of overseas arrivals.

The President said they discussed avenues to increase trade and investment of German companies in South Africa, but also of South African companies into Germany.

'This cooperation has been in a range of fields, including good governance and strengthening democracy, HIV prevention, climate actions and energy,' he said.

President Ramaphosa said they also discussed the next steps in the Just Transition Partnership concluded between South Africa, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union last year.

'This historic partnership will support our just transition to a low-carbon economy and climate resilient society in a manner that leaves no-one behind,' he said.

President Ramaphosa and Chancellor Scholz also spoke extensively on supporting young people and integrating them into the workplace.

Another important area of cooperation between the two countries is that of vocational training and how young people can be more effectively integrated into the world of work.

'There is much we can learn from the German mode of dual education and how German companies integrate the training of young people in the working environment,' he said.

In turn, Chancellor Scholz said that Germany is working together with South Africa in the field of cooperation for developing skills.

Scholz agreed with President Ramaphosa that it is necessary to do a lot for young people and 'if they have a chance for training and education together, it is big progress.'

Vaccine manufacturing in Africa

President Ramaphosa lauded Germany...