Pretoria: President Cyril Ramaphosa concluded the first day of his historic State Visit to Switzerland with an official banquet hosted in his honour by Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter at the Bernerhof in Bern, marking a day of strengthened diplomatic, economic and cultural ties. During his toast to the guests, President Ramaphosa said he was honoured to be part of the auspicious occasion.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation, highlighting the significance of this State Visit as a milestone in the longstanding partnership between the two nations. ‘During our discussion earlier today, we focused on international issues and bilateral relations between our two countries. We are proud of the longstanding relationship that we have with the Confederation of Switzerland,’ the President said.
The banquet followed a day filled with historic engagements, including official talks at the Bernerhof, the signing of five agreements on economic cooperation, technical and vocational training, arts and culture, urban development, and peace mediation, as well as the symbolic restitution of cultural artefacts to the Nkuna royal family of South Africa.
The evening commenced with a Guard of Honour by the Honorary Grenadiers of the Canton of Bern, followed by a welcoming reception and photo opportunities before guests were conducted into the Banquet Hall. The dinner was attended by ministers, ambassadors, and senior officials from both governments, accompanied by simultaneous interpretation.
Reflecting on the day’s events, President Ramaphosa highlighted the growing trade, investment and tourism links between the two nations, as well as their collaboration in multilateral forums such as the United Nations Human Rights Council. ‘I am pleased to note the growth in trade, investment and tourism links between our two countries, as well as the good cooperation we have whenever we share membership of international bodies, for example, currently on the United Nations Human Rights Council,’ he said.
President Ramaphosa concluded his address by proposing a toast to the Swiss President and the enduring partnership between the two nations. ‘With these words, I propose a toast to Her Excellency Karin Keller-Sutter and to the continued relationship between the people of the Confederation of Switzerland and the people of South Africa,’ he said.
The banquet was a fitting finale to a day of diplomatic milestones, leaving both nations confident that their partnership will continue to flourish and deliver tangible benefits for their peoples.