By Dikeledi Molobela
Bern, Switzerland - Aboard a special train gliding through the serene Swiss countryside, President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Karin Keller-Sutter of the Swiss Confederation held a working breakfast with Swiss business leaders - a meeting that symbolised shared economic ambition between the two nations.
The early morning journey from Kehrsatz Station to Uzwil unfolded against a backdrop of breathtaking Swiss landscapes, rolling hills, pristine lakes and quaint villages - setting a picturesque scene for a conversation rooted in trade, investment and innovation.
The engagement, attended by representatives of Switzerland’s leading industries, focused on strengthening economic relations and fostering direct exchanges between South Africa and the Swiss private sector. Discussions highlighted opportunities in industrial modernisation, life sciences, logistics, financial services and skills development.
Delivering remarks on the train, President Ramaphosa expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to interact directly with Swiss business leaders.
“It is really a pleasure for us to be on a moving train and having the opportunity to have breakfast and also to have interactions with people in Swiss government and business leaders. We really, truly value this.
“This is our second day here in Switzerland. This has been a State Visit of note. It’s unprecedented for us to have this extended level of discussions and being exposed to the business community in the presence of the President and other officials in government,” the President said.
He said the discussions aboard the moving train represented not only a deepening of ties between governments, but also an invitation for the private sector to play a greater role in advancing shared prosperity.
“So, we really welcome this. We look forward to a wonderful exchange. Some of you are already invested in South Africa and we are here to appeal for you to invest even more. So don’t think that this is a free train ride, we want more investments in South Africa,” the President said.
Welcoming the delegates aboard the train, President Keller-Sutter echoed the sentiment, describing the gathering as a continuation of the productive engagements that have defined President Ramaphosa’s State Visit.
“I would like to welcome you to the second day of the South African State Visit. We are really happy to also welcome the delegation from the Swiss economy; some really fine businesses are represented today. We are happy to have an exchange with you, Mr President, along with your delegation.
“We talked about the excellent relationship we have between South Africa and Switzerland. Yesterday we also saw several memoranda of understanding to deepen our relationship in various fields being signed,” she said.
As the train coursed through the Swiss landscape, the breakfast meeting became a moving symbol of collaboration, one that not only celebrated the friendship between South Africa and Switzerland but also looked ahead to a future of deeper economic engagement and shared growth. – SAnews.gov.za
