Speaking during a press conference in Bern on Wednesday, 29 October 2025, President Ramaphosa expressed his great honour at being on a two-day State Visit at the invitation of President Karin Keller-Sutter of the Swiss Confederation.

“This is an important milestone in our longstanding partnership and a testament to our mutually beneficial relations.

“During our discussions today, we focused on international issues and the bilateral relations between our two countries. We discussed cooperation in trade and investment, science and innovation, and higher education and training,” he said.

Switzerland remains one of South Africa’s most significant economic partners, with strong links in investment, research, and industrial cooperation.

President Ramaphosa noted that both countries share a vision of inclusive growth and sustainable development.

“We noted that Switzerland is one of our major trade, investment and economic cooperation partners, and we agreed that this visit will give our relationship new momentum. This visit will not only raise the profile of our relations but also contribute to better political and economic ties. It will foster greater cooperation and understanding between the people of Switzerland and South Africa,” the President said.

The President also welcomed Switzerland’s new Africa Strategy for 2025–2028, which outlines its commitment to supporting democratic governance, peacebuilding, and development across the continent.

“We note with appreciation that Switzerland has recently launched its new Africa Strategy for the period 2025–2028, reflecting its commitment to supporting democratic processes, good governance and development,” he said.

President Ramaphosa further commended Switzerland for its global role in promoting peace and mediation, particularly its efforts in conflict resolution across the African continent.

“We further noted Switzerland’s role in advancing peace and security within the United Nations and around the world, notably in various conflict areas on the African continent such as Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sudan,” he said.

Acknowledging Switzerland’s ongoing support for South Africa’s economic transformation, President Ramaphosa said he was encouraged by the impact of Swiss-led initiatives that promote growth and inclusivity.

“I also used the opportunity to commend the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs for their significant contributions to improving the lives of South Africans through various initiatives to foster economic growth, sustainability and inclusivity,” he said.

A key focus of the visit was the development of a youth cooperation framework aimed at promoting training, innovation, and skills development for young people.

“The President and I had previously discussed the development of a youth cooperation framework and I look forward to our further engagement in this regard,” he said.

South Africa expressed gratitude for Switzerland’s support for its G20 Presidency, particularly around the themes of inclusive growth, climate action, and reforming global financial institutions.

“We thanked Switzerland for its public support of our G20 Presidency and the priorities of inclusive economic growth, debt management, support for multilateral development banks, climate change and the reform of global governance institutions,” he said.

President Ramaphosa expressed his appreciation for Switzerland’s partnership in the repatriation of cultural artefacts belonging to the Nkuna Royal Family, which were formally handed over earlier in the visit.

“I conclude by thanking the Swiss Government for the constructive cooperation in the repatriation efforts of the heritage objects of the Nkuna Royal Family, which will now occupy their rightful place in Limpopo in South Africa,” he said.

Reflecting on the spirit of the visit, President Ramaphosa said both countries were committed to elevating their friendship to new heights.

“Relations between South Africa and Switzerland have come a long way. From this State Visit, we are confident that they will go even further and achieve greater benefits for the people of both countries.”

The press conference followed official talks and a welcome ceremony earlier in the day at the Federal Square in Bern, where President Ramaphosa was received by Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter with full military honours.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

Solidarity

The President reflected on the history between South Africa and Malaysia, which spans back to the Southeast Asian slave trade, which brought the peoples from Southeast Asian nations, including Malaysia, to the Cape as labourers for Dutch colonialists.

“Among these early arrivals were also political exiles, skilled artisans and religious scholars. Yet even amidst the degradation and dehumanisation of slavery, the arrival of these people was transformational.

“This early community carried Islam to South Africa, and the Holy Quran’s message of equality brought comfort to the dispossessed peoples of South Africa,” he said.

Malaysia also stood in solidarity with South African freedom fighters in the struggle against apartheid.

“It is a source of great pride to us that the ties between Malaysia and South Africa have endured. Since the time of the early Cape Malay community, through the anti-apartheid struggle and into our democracy, our destinies have been intertwined.

“Our shared history may not have been of our making, but it has evolved into a principled solidarity. When we were liberated from apartheid bondage, Malaysia was at our side. When President Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990, [then] Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed was one of the first foreign leaders he met with,” he said.

President Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of this shared history – touting it as a lesson on how through solidarity, “we can escape the ghosts of the past, overcome the most strident of obstacles and help reshape our common destiny”.

“As we look to the future, it is essential that we continue to strengthen the historical linkages that exist between us.

“We should celebrate the rich history that binds Malaysia and South Africa. It is important for us to honour the struggles and sacrifices made by our forebears and strive to build a future rooted in collaboration and mutual respect,” the President noted.

He called for the deepening of friendship between South Africa and Malaysia.

“I receive this honorary doctorate with gratitude from the Universiti Malaya, an institution with a rich and proud history. I accept it on behalf of your brothers and sisters in South Africa, who owe the people of Malaysia and its noble leaders a great debt. Thank you for standing with us in our quest for dignity and justice.

“As we enter a new and even greater era of South-South cooperation, we carry with us the spirit of the early Cape Malay community whose values are the bedrock of the free South Africa we have today.

“Let there be friendship. Let there be peace. Salaam Alaikum,” President Ramaphosa concluded.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

The two leaders outlined their shared commitment to expand collaboration in areas including the halal industry and agriculture, to the critical technological frontiers of semiconductor manufacturing and green energy.

The two leaders released a joint press release on Saturday, 25 October 2025, during President Ramaphosa’s Working Visit to the country.

Other areas of enhanced cooperation include trade and investment, defence, science, technology and innovation, education, tourism and culture, transport and capacity building.

“The [leaders] recognised that enhanced collaboration in these sectors would deliver tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries and contribute to sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.

“Both leaders expressed confidence in the continued growth of bilateral relations and noted the considerable untapped economic potential between Malaysia and the Republic of South Africa,” the statement read.

Furthermore, trade and investment linkages are to be strengthened by the “facilitating participation of businesses from both countries in trade fairs, exhibitions, and business forums”.

Malaysia affirmed that exports of Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO)-certified palm oil will be expanded in support of South Africa’s “growing demand for sustainably produced food and ingredients within its food processing and manufacturing sectors”.

“Both leaders highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation, including research, training programmes, and green manufacturing in the palm oil industry, recognising Malaysia’s position as a global leader in sustainable palm oil production and the Republic of South Africa’s potential as a strategic partner and emerging market.

“Both sides further agreed to explore opportunities for joint ventures, technology transfer, and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen collaboration and promote sustainable growth in this sector,” the statement said.

South Africa and Malaysia will also cooperate in the technologically critical area of semiconductor manufacturing as well as other sectors.

“Both sides recognised Malaysia’s role as a global hub and leading exporter in the semiconductor industry and expressed commitment to leverage this expertise to promote knowledge-sharing, joint research, and capacity-building.

“The Republic of South Africa is keen to export to Malaysia iron and related products, aircraft and spacecraft components, machinery and parts, while also encouraging Malaysia to consider investing in green hydrogen, mineral beneficiation, energy infrastructure, energy battery storage and distribution and automotive,” the statement read.

On the global front, the two statesmen spoke out against the genocide in Gaza, Palestine, and called for respect of the international order.

They affirmed that lasting peace should be “pursued through diplomacy, dialogue and collective multilateral efforts”.

“Both leaders strongly condemned the atrocities in Gaza and reiterated their steadfast support for the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to self-determination and the establishment of a sovereign, viable, contiguous, and independent Palestinian state.

“They welcomed initiatives aimed at achieving an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire; the removal of the blockade on Gaza; the protection of all civilians; and the unimpeded flow of humanitarian assistance to those affected.

“Both leaders further agreed on the necessity of upholding the international order based on the principles of the United Nations Charter, including the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states,” the statement continued.

President Ramaphosa and Prime Minister Ibrahim expressed belief that the Working Visit will pave the way to even stronger ties.

“Both leaders reaffirmed their confidence that the outcomes of this visit would further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Malaysia and the Republic of South Africa, while paving the way towards a brighter, more prosperous, and mutually beneficial future for both nations,” the statement concluded.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

Speaking during a courtesy call on the Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam, Trần Thanh Mẫn, President Ramaphosa said it was vital that relations between countries go beyond the executive level and extend to their parliaments.

“South Africa values the important role that parliamentary democracy plays in strengthening bilateral relations. It is important that relations between two countries are not just limited to government level, but also at a parliamentary level,” the President said.

He noted that South Africa attaches great significance to inter-parliamentary cooperation, which helps deepen understanding, promote accountability, and ensure that bilateral agreements are effectively implemented.

President Ramaphosa recalled the productive engagements earlier this year between the Deputy Chairperson of Vietnam’s National Assembly and South Africa’s presiding officers, including the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces.

“These exchanges have laid a strong foundation for deeper institutional cooperation between our parliaments. I am pleased that we have agreed to reciprocal visits by office bearers in 2026, which will further enhance dialogue, oversight, collaboration and the sharing of legislative processes,” the President said.

The President also commended the engagement between the delegation of the Communist Party of Vietnam and Speaker of Parliament Thoko Didiza in 2024, saying such interactions reflect the enduring relationship and shared values between the two countries.

Now that South Africa and Vietnam have elevated their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, President Ramaphosa said the role of both legislatures will be crucial in ensuring that agreements reached in areas such as trade, culture, and governance are effectively translated into action.

“Our legislatures will play a critical role in ensuring that agreements between our governments are implemented and that they deliver tangible benefits for our peoples,” the President added.

Following the courtesy call, President Ramaphosa was given a brief tour of the National Assembly Museum.

Earlier, the President paid a courtesy call to the family home of the late General Võ Nguyên Giáp, one of Vietnam’s most revered military leaders.

The decision to delist South Africa was taken at the conclusion of meetings of the FATF Plenary that took place from 22 to 24 October 2025 in Paris, France.

After South Africa was listed on the FATF greylist in February 2023, government worked tirelessly to address all the deficiencies that were identified by the FATF and which were reflected in the 22 Action Items in the Action Plan agreed between South Africa and the FATF.

The FATF is an intergovernmental organisation and finance watchdog that was established to combat money laundering, terrorist and proliferation financing, and other threats to the integrity of the international financial system.

It sets global standards for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing, promotes the effective implementation of these standards, and conducts mutual evaluations of member countries to assess their compliance with the FATF Recommendations.

“Over the past 32 months, South Africa has engaged with a team of reviewers assigned by the FATF to assess progress against the Action Plan. This culminated in an on-site visit at the end of July 2025, when the assessors came to the country to confirm the sustainability of the reforms that had been reported to them,” National Treasury said on Friday, 24 October 2025.

This concluded with a meeting with Deputy Minister of Finance Dr David Masondo and Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel, who assured the FATF of the South African Government’s political commitment to continue to sustainably improve the country’s Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) system.

“South Africa’s progress in addressing the AML/CFT deficiencies and exiting the FATF greylist represents a major policy and institutional achievement for the people of South Africa, particularly following the weakening of key law enforcement and other institutions during the state capture era.

“However, while exiting the greylist is an important milestone and a demonstration of South Africa’s commitment to rebuilding the rule of law, it is only the start of a broader process to continue to strengthen key institutions, improve enforcement and governance processes, and ensure that such improvements are sustainable and that our systems become increasingly effective in combating money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing.

“Neither government agencies nor regulated entities in the private sector can afford to become complacent and stop improving. Instead, through public-private collaboration, they must continue to strengthen the AML/CFT system,” National Treasury emphasised.

The FATF requires countries that have exited the greylist to demonstrate continued commitment through measurable outcomes, including successful investigations, prosecutions, and sanctions as they relate to AML/CFT.

These actions will form the basis of the next FATF Mutual Evaluation for South Africa, which is expected to commence in the first half of 2026 and conclude in October 2027.

“To prevent being placed back on the greylist, it is important that systems of monitoring and enforcement work more efficiently and effectively and that there are no gaps by the time of the mutual evaluation. Preparations, in this regard, have already begun and we remain confident that South Africa will be able to sustain the progress made,” National Treasury said.

The department has congratulated Nigeria, Mozambique and Burkina Faso, which were also delisted from the FATF greylist this week.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

South Africa is simplifying entry requirements for international travellers as part of its drive to reinvigorate its tourism sector, among other benefits.

South Africa has lifted visa requirements for citizens of Lithuania, allowing visa-free short stays of up to 90 days with immediate effect. This decision, made by the Department of Home Affairs, is a strategic effort designed to boost tourism and deepen economic ties, according to the Lithuanian Embassy in South Africa.

The immediate change is set to significantly streamline leisure and business travel, supporting inbound tourism and facilitating closer commercial ties.

For global tourists planning their next adventure, this removal of the visa barrier makes the destination instantly more accessible to a growing European market.

Lithuanian travellers, effective from 7 October 2025, no longer need to submit applications via the South African Embassy in Stockholm or navigate the electronic visa application system for short visits.

Visa waiver a “historic moment” for Lithuania-South Africa relations

Rasa Jankauskaitė, the Lithuanian Ambassador to South Africa, hailed this as a “historic moment” for bilateral relations. The move is an important step in South Africa’s overall tourism revival strategy, designed to appeal directly to foreign tourists and position the country as a premium travel destination, he added.

Now, Lithuanian nationals can easily explore South Africa’s impressive nature and cultural riches. This visa-free entry opens up barrier-free access to iconic wildlife safaris in areas like Kruger National Park, the natural beauty of Table Mountain, and the vibrant city life of Cape Town.

The policy highlights South Africa’s diverse offerings, from world-class beaches and mountain trails to its rich cultural history, appealing strongly to luxury tourists and adventure seekers.

Beyond tourism, the visa-free policy is anticipated to strengthen economic ties, benefiting business professionals keen on commercial opportunities in sectors such as mining and technology. This commitment confirms the mutual aspiration to expand bilateral cooperation.

– Source: www.sapeople.com