I do not usually write stories about politicians, but the official state visit by our President Zuma to German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday, his first ever visit to Germany, attracted attention as both leaders are facing tremendous criticism from their countrymen, and both face important elections in 2016. What touched me was the photograph of the two leaders holding hands in support of each other, both going through a torrid time politically, with declining popularity.
Germany is an important business partner of our country, and more than 600 German companies operate in South Africa and provide 100000 jobs. Germany is our country’s 4th largest export market while our country is the second largest importer of German goods.
Mrs Merkel said that bilateral relations between the two countries are good, but highlighted that greater co-operation between the two countries could be enhanced in the ‘fight against Islamist terrorism, their current energy partnership, science, as well as climate policies‘. The refugee crisis in Europe was also discussed. Other areas of co-operation between the two countries include trade and investment, science and technology, the environment, development cooperation, energy, defence, labour and social affairs, vocational education and training, as well as arts and culture.
Germany’s Ambassador to South Africa Walter Lindner said of the meeting: ‘The visit is an important one‚ the heavyweight of this continent meets the heavyweight of Europe … the importance of the visit‚ is that these (leaders)‚ at such a turbulent time‚ come together’.
Chancellor Merkel is not shy in telling her international visitors off if there are irregularities in their countries, but she did not appear to say anything controversial to our President! President Zuma also met German President Joachim Gauck.
Sources: Business Day, Times Live
Chris von Ulmenstein, WhaleTales Blog: www.whalecottage.com/blog Tel 082 55 11 323 Twitter:@WhaleCottage Facebook: click here
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