South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Finnish President Sauli Niinistö held a state visit in South Africa during Freedom Month to commemorate the country’s 29 years of democracy.
The two leaders expressed their shared commitment to preserving and strengthening the rules-based multilateral system while exploring ways to collaborate on effective responses to major issues facing humankind, such as wars, the threat of climate change, and economic inequalities worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the visit, Ramaphosa acknowledged Finland’s crucial role in South Africa’s liberation from apartheid and expressed gratitude for the country’s continued support towards South Africa’s ongoing transition to a more egalitarian, prosperous society.
The leaders agreed to expand cooperation in several fields, including water resource management, early childhood development, youth training as peace mediators, and digital and emerging technologies.
They also discussed ways to improve trade and investment flows between the two countries and engage with businesses from Finland and South Africa on this matter.
