Ramaphosa congratulates newly elected UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
Ramaphosa said he also received a message of congratulations from his Egyptian counterpart, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, as he takes up his position as President of the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Britain's incoming Prime Minister Keir Starmer and leader of the Labour Party, addresses the nation after his general election victory, outside 10 Downing Street in London on 5 July 2024, a day after Britain held a general election. Picture: HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP
CAPE TOWN - President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated Keir Starmer on his appointment as United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister and looks forward to strengthening relations.
Starmer assumed the position on 5 July, following general elections held a day earlier defeating conservative Rishi Sunak.
Ramaphosa said he also received a message of congratulations from his Egyptian counterpart, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, as he takes up his position as President of the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Ramaphosa said the UK is one of South Africa’s largest bilateral trading and investment partners and remains South Africa’s “number one source” of long-haul tourism in the world.
In congratulating Starmer as UK Prime Minister, Ramaphosa said it’s for this reason that the two countries have to strengthen bilateral relations.
“South Africa and the UK collaborate in various multilateral fora to advance shared ideals and objectives,” said Ramaphosa.
In 2022, Ramaphosa was also the first head of State to undertake a State visit to the UK following an invitation from King Charles III, which also helped strengthen ties between the two countries.
Staying on diplomatic relations, Ramaphosa said he was also honoured with a phone call from the Egyptian president, who warmly congratulated Ramaphosa on his new term of office.
President El-Sisi shared with Ramaphosa his expectation that South Africa and Egypt would continue to cooperate on issues of common interest.