PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA HIGHLIGHTS SHARED VALUES AND GLOBAL SOLIDARITY DURING OFFICIAL VISIT TO IRELAND

8 October 2025 | Dublin, Ireland – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed the enduring friendship and shared values between South Africa and Ireland during a luncheon hosted by His Excellency President Michael D. Higgins in Dublin on Tuesday, 8 October 2025.

In his remarks, President Ramaphosa expressed gratitude for the warm reception extended to him and his delegation, noting that South Africa and Ireland’s relations are bound not only by diplomacy but by a deep history of solidarity rooted in shared struggles for freedom and justice.

“Beyond our strong bilateral relationship, Ireland and South Africa share deep fraternal bonds that date back many years,” President Ramaphosa said. “We remember with gratitude and humility the support that the Irish people gave to our struggle for democracy and freedom.”

Reflecting on his personal connection to Ireland, President Ramaphosa recalled his involvement alongside Finland’s former President Martti Ahtisaari in the Northern Ireland peace process, describing Ireland as a “homecoming” for South Africans who recognize the Irish people’s resilience and moral courage.

The President commended Ireland’s principled stance on global peace issues, particularly its recognition of the State of Palestine and its consistent advocacy for a negotiated resolution to conflicts around the world.

“There is growing global consensus that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and that the world must unite to end the conflict,” he said. “We are encouraged by Ireland’s decision to recognise the Palestinian State as a vital part of a just and enduring peace.”

Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s call for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing that international solidarity and adherence to international law are crucial to achieving lasting peace.

On the economic front, the President noted the growing trade relations between the two nations, highlighting that South Africa is Ireland’s largest trading partner in Africa. Bilateral trade includes sectors such as aviation, pharmaceuticals, and technology, with cultural exchanges symbolically reflected in South Africa’s importation of €46 million worth of Irish whiskey last year.

He also praised the Kader Asmal Fellowship — a flagship education initiative named after the late South African freedom fighter and academic — for empowering over 100 South African students through postgraduate studies in Ireland since 2012.

Turning to global cooperation, President Ramaphosa underscored South Africa’s priorities as Chair of the G20 under the theme Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability, and welcomed Ireland’s participation as a guest country.

“For the G20 to retain its relevance in today’s turbulent world, it must address issues of development, debt sustainability, climate action and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals,” he said.

Concluding his remarks, President Ramaphosa extended best wishes to President Higgins as he approaches the end of his term and to the Irish people ahead of the upcoming Presidential election on 24 October 2025.

“Thank you once again for your warm friendship and hospitality,” he concluded. “This has indeed been a homecoming for us.”