01 - 07 - 2025
Ramaphosa to Welcome Austrian President for Key State Visit Focused on Trade and Culture
President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to host the President of Austria, Alexander van der Bellen, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria this Friday. This significant State Visit aims to strengthen the growing partnership between South Africa and Austria.
Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for President Ramaphosa, indicated that the visit offers a valuable opportunity to deepen relations across multiple sectors. These include arts and culture, education, renewable energy, waste management, as well as trade and investment.
According to Magwenya, the relationship between the two nations is founded on mutual respect, a commitment to multilateralism, and an expanding network of economic and cultural exchanges. He further explained that despite the two countries being geographically distant and differing in size and economic scale, both share common goals in international cooperation, sustainable development, and global trade partnerships.
As part of the days programme, both leaders will jointly participate in a plenary session at the South Africa–Austria Business Forum. This session is expected to promote business opportunities and foster collaboration between industries from both nations.
The Austrian Embassy in Pretoria highlights that diplomatic ties between the two countries have been well established since 1962, when Austria officially upgraded its mission in South Africa to a full embassy. The embassy also notes that Austria is regarded as a key economic ally with strong technological expertise and as an important source of tourism to South Africa.
Austria’s involvement extends across various sectors, particularly in science, energy, culture, and the economy. Furthermore, South Africa is recognised by Austria as a vital strategic partner within the Global South and a major voice in the BRICS alliance.
The visit follows recent high-level engagements, including the 2023 visit by Austria’s Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Alexander Schallenberg. His visit included meetings with South Africa’s former Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor, as well as participation in a major business forum attended by more than 100 corporate delegates.
During that visit, Austria also opened the Austrian Cultural Forum in Pretoria — the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa — reflecting the deepening cultural ties between the two countries. Additionally, Austrian Ambassador Romana Königsbrun officially presented her credentials to President Ramaphosa in March 2023.
