SA, UK keen to reinvigorate trade ties with each other

CAPE TOWN - The new governments of South Africa and the United Kingdom say they want to reinvigorate trade ties between the two countries.

International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola met the UK's Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Cape Town on Tuesday afternoon.

Lamola said that the United Kingdom remains a key partner for South Africa and said he believed bilateral relations could be significantly improved upon.

"Our trade and investment relations have stagnated somewhat, not only because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also because of the general state of the global economy and various domestic challenges. The state visit of President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2022 and the recent working visit of Deputy President Paul Mashatile to the UK aimed to provide renewed impetus to our bilateral engagement," Lamola said.

Lammy, who is accompanying Prince William of Wales to the city, said it's been a priority for him to visit South Africa following the UK's recent election.

William met President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday night's Earthshot prize ceremony in the city.

Lammy said there’s much the two countries could collaborate on, including green energy transition, climate financing and technical assistance. 

"Our communique reflects a bold vision that sets out a new direction for our relationship over this next period. We, as a new government, are committed to growth and we are committed to climate leadership," Lammy said.