Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen's State Visit: A new chapter in South Africa-Austria relations
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President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to host his counterpart, Federal President of the Republic of Austria, Alexander van der Bellen, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Friday.
Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said the State Visit presents an opportunity to consolidate the long-standing and strong relationship between South Africa and Austria.
Earlier this week, IOL reported that the bilateral relations span several sectors, particularly in the fields of arts and culture, higher education, renewable energy, trade and investment, and waste management.
'South Africa and Austria maintain cordial and cooperative bilateral relations that are rooted in mutual respect, shared values on multilateralism, and growing economic and cultural exchanges,' said Magwenya.
'Though geographically distant and differing significantly in size and economic structure, the two nations have found common ground in international cooperation, trade, and sustainable development.'
Ramaphosa and Van der Bellen will also address a plenary session of the Business Forum on the afternoon of the State Visit, on Friday.
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According to the Austrian Embassy in Pretoria, the bilateral relations have a long history, and in 1962, the Austrian delegation in South Africa was upgraded to a full embassy.
'Bilateral relations between Austria and South Africa can be described as very good. Austria is perceived as an important economic partner with high technological expertise and as a significant source of tourists. Austria is actively engaged in various sectors such as economy, energy, culture, and scientific exchange. South Africa, being a BRICS founding member and a key advocate for Africa, is considered a crucial partner in the Global South,' the Austrian Embassy states on its website.
In 2023, Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg visited South Africa in December 2023, leading a delegation of business-representatives and journalists.
During the visit, he held discussions with South Africa's then Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor, and participated in a joint economic forum with over 100 corporate representatives.
Additionally, Minister Schallenberg inaugurated the Austrian Cultural Forum (centre) Pretoria, the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.
On March 14, 2023, Ambassador Romana Königsbrun presented her credentials to President Ramaphosa.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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