Official UK Government Statement:
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomed South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa to Downing Street today for a bilateral meeting and working ministerial lunch, as part of the South Africa State Visit.
The Prime Minister opened the meeting by noting the significance of this State Visit, as both his first and the first for His Majesty The King. The leaders hailed the deep and historic ties between the UK and South Africa and agreed that this generation must take the partnership between our nations to the next level, both bilaterally and through the Commonwealth.
On trade, they discussed bolstering cooperation on green hydrogen and sustainable infrastructure, building on the Just Energy Transition Partnership, as well as opportunities to increase exports and access to services. They welcomed new collaboration on cutting-edge science and technology, with the Prime Minister highlighting the Square Kilometre Array intergovernmental radio telescope project as an exciting example of global innovation.
The leaders also confirmed new bilateral agreements on health and education, which will ensure that the UK and South Africa are working together to improve pandemic preparedness and upskill young people for the jobs of the future.
The Prime Minister and President Ramaphosa welcomed the opportunity to meet as part of this historic State Visit and agreed their ministers would take away a number of actions to drive the UK-South Africa relationship forward.
About President Ramaphosa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is the current President of South Africa, having taken office in February 2018. Before he was elected President, Ramaphosa served as the Deputy President of South Africa from 2014 to 2018. He is a member of the African National Congress (ANC), and he served as the Chairman of the ANC from 1991 to 1997.
His Last visit.
In April 2019, Ramaphosa visited the United Kingdom, where he met with Prime Minister Theresa May and other members of the British government.
During his visit, President Ramaphosa also gave a speech at Chatham House, a think tank based in London. In his speech, he discussed various topics related to South Africa, including economic reform, corruption, and land ownership.
President Ramaphosa’s visit to the UK was widely seen as a success, and it helped to bolster relations between the two countries.
Conclusion.
Conclusion paragraph: The bilateral meeting between the Prime Minister and the President of South Africa was a great success. Both leaders discussed ways to improve trade and cooperation, with an emphasis on green energy initiatives.
This is a positive step forward for both countries, and we look forward to seeing the results of this partnership in the future.
Sources: THX News & The UK Government.
