President Cyril Ramaphosa said that as South Africa strives to achieve energy security through investment in renewable and other clean energy, it looks forward to expanding its cooperation with Austria.

On Friday, Ramaphosa hosted Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, on his first State Visit, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

Van der Bellen’s visit to South Africa was postponed twice owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ramaphosa said the long-awaited visit presents an opportunity to consolidate the long-standing and strong relationship between South Africa and Austria, in areas of arts and culture, higher education, renewable energy, trade and investment, and waste management.

The South Africa government has noted the launch of Austria’s first green hydrogen production facility in 2023, and is eager to explore the Green Hydrogen Economy Strategy and avenues for cooperation.

Austria’s comprehensive national Africa Strategy is also intended to expand cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, digitalisation, energy, environmental and climate technologies.

“The momentum of South Africa’s structural reform process and our efforts to boost economic growth present unique opportunities for Austrian firms wishing to invest here,” Ramaphosa stated.

He recalled Austria’s role in the anti-apartheid movement, in supporting South Africa’s struggle for democracy.

Ramaphosa described Austria as a valued partner of South Africa and added that Van der Bellen’s visit marked a new chapter in relations.

“Through the Bilateral Consultations we have maintained cordial relations rooted in mutual respect, shared values and a common commitment to multilateralism. We are also committed to deepening investment and trade between our two countries,” he said.

South Africa is Austria’s largest economic and trade partner in Africa, accounting for almost a third of Austria’s total exports to the continent.

There are more than 70 Austrian companies with subsidiaries or agencies in South Africa across a range of sectors.

Ramaphosa pointed out that there was significant potential to deepen investment and trade links in areas such as the green economy, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure development and tourism.

“We share a common commitment to transition our respective economies along a low-carbon, inclusive, climate resilient path,” he said.

MULTILATERALISM

Meanwhile, he noted that the meeting took place at a time of heightened global insecurity, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, the climate emergency and conflicts in many parts of the world.

Ramaphosa said the events reinforced the need for multilateralism to remain at the centre of world affairs, underscoring the need for the urgent reform of the institutions of global governance, including the United Nations Security Council.

He said South Africa and Austria shared a common commitment to a world free of conflict and war.

Turning to its anti-apartheid movement in supporting South Africa’s struggle for democracy, Van der Bellen applauded South Africa for its non-violent inclusive transition to democracy, noting South Africa’s nickname - the Rainbow Nation.

“…South Africa has come a long way, overcoming the dark times of apartheid, but that was certainly a difficult journey. I think a beautiful name, personally which today is a role model for peace and stability everywhere,” he said.

He acknowledged that Austria and South Africa enjoyed long-standing cordial relations in business, science and culture.