JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – South Africa and Britain have committed to bolstering their economic and security cooperation, the two countries’ foreign ministers announced on Tuesday.
The announcement follows a bilateral meeting between South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola and his British counterpart, David Lammy. Both nations acknowledged the significant potential for growth in their trade and investment relationship, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, mining, and automotive manufacturing.
“We’ve committed to a UK-South Africa growth plan that will drive economic development and deepen our trade and investment ties,” Lammy stated. While specific details of the plan were not disclosed, it is expected to include initiatives to increase agricultural exports from South Africa to Britain, thereby creating jobs in rural areas.
Lamola highlighted the need to revitalize the bilateral relationship, which had been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and other global challenges. He expressed satisfaction with the reaffirmed commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties between the two countries.
In addition to economic cooperation, South Africa and Britain pledged to enhance their collaboration on counter-terrorism and to work together towards a just energy transition.
Lammy’s visit to South Africa is part of his first official trip to Africa as Foreign Secretary. He previously visited Nigeria, where similar agreements on economic and security cooperation were reached.
