Niinistö starts visits to South Africa, Namibia

President Sauli Niinistö on Tuesday started his four-day state visits to South Africa and Namibia, said the President Office in a press release.

The visit began with a meeting with his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria.

The topics of discussion included the geopolitical situation and security, global challenges, such as climate change and problems related to food security and their impacts on the African countries, and the bilateral relations between Finland and South Africa.

“A very good start to my state visit in South Africa. In the current geopolitical situation, it was very valuable to have a chance to exchange views with President Cyril Ramaphosa. Finland and South Africa have excellent relations and our cooperation is deepening,” Niinistö wrote in a twitter post after the meeting.

In the afternoon, Niinistö participated with President Ramaphosa in a discussion event about the countries’ joint opportunities of using smart, safe and sustainable solutions for promoting sustainable growth.

The event also was attended by representatives of Finnish and South African trade and industry.

On Wednesday, the President will give a speech and discuss with students at the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) in Johannesburg.

The topic of the speech is how to respond to common challenges in the era of shifting geopolitics. During his visit, the President will also meet local foreign policy experts.

On Thursday, Niinistö will arrive Namibia and hold a meeting with his Namibian counterpart Hage G. Geingob in Windhoek.

During their meeting, the Presidents will discuss the global political situation, global challenges and the bilateral relations between Finland and Namibia.

Niinistö’s program will also include a wreath-laying ceremony at the Heroes´ Acre monument.

On Friday, on the second day of the state visit to Namibia, Niinistö will meet Prime Minister of Namibia Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila and Speaker of the National Assembly of Namibia Peter Hitjitevi Katjavivi and participate in a business seminar to be held in Windhoek.

In South Africa and Namibia, Niinistö is accompanied by a business delegation with representatives from various business sectors.

Niinistö last visited South Africa in 2013 when he attended the memorial service for President Nelson Mandela.

The previous presidential visit from Finland to Namibia was made by President Halonen in 2011.