South Africa and UK celebrate partnership to enhance economic, security ties: Video
The United Kingdom and South Africa have agreed to enhance their cooperation in both trade and defence.
This announcement came after a meeting between the UK's Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, and South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, in Cape Town on November 5, 2024.
South Africa is already the UK's largest trading partner on the African continent, with bilateral trade amounting to approximately 133 billion rand (about $7.62 billion) in 2023.
The two nations have committed to a new growth plan aimed at driving economic development and deepening trade and investment ties. This plan includes initiatives to increase agricultural jobs in rural South Africa and boost exports to the UK.
"I am pleased that we have reaffirmed the importance and the strength of our bilateral trade and investment relationship, and that we have reiterated our resolve to continue working together to remove obstacles to bilateral and regional trade and investment," South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola said.
On the defence front, the UK and South Africa have pledged to deepen their cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts. This collaboration is part of a broader strategy to address shared security challenges and promote regional stability.
"Ensuring the safety of our people is critical. I'm pleased that today we've agreed to deepen our collaboration on defence security through defence staff talks and greater collaboration on counter-terrorism particularly. And further, we are working together to advance science and innovation, addressing shared health priorities and working together to empower women and girls," David Lammy, UK's foreign secretary added.
This visit is part of Lammy's first official tour of Africa as Foreign Secretary, which also included a stop in Nigeria to discuss similar economic and security partnerships. The renewed focus on South Africa highlights the UK's strategic interest in fostering strong ties with key African nations.
In addition to the official talks, Britain's Prince William visited South Africa, meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa and participating in environmental conservation activities.
