International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola is set to meet with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Cape Town on Tuesday. This marks Lammy’s first official trip to Africa since assuming office in July, with previous stops in Nigeria for discussions with officials there.
The purpose of Lammy’s visit is to establish a new UK-South Africa growth plan, following the signing of a strategic partnership with Nigeria. The meeting between Lammy and Lamola will focus on strengthening relations between the two countries, as South Africa is Britain’s largest trade partner on the continent.
In addition to trade discussions, the agenda will also cover South Africa’s upcoming presidency of the G20, as well as topics such as the Middle East and climate change. South Africa aims to use its presidency to advocate for reform within multilateral institutions, particularly in securing permanent seats for African nations on the UN Security Council.
The UK’s Labour government has prioritized strengthening ties with the Global South, emphasizing the importance of building respectful partnerships with African countries. Lammy stated, “Growth is the core mission of this government and will underpin our relationships in Nigeria, South Africa and beyond. This will mean more jobs, more prosperity and more opportunities for Brits and Africans alike.”
The meeting between Lammy and Lamola follows informal talks held in London in July, where discussions took place on the sidelines of a thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey commemorating 30 years since the end of apartheid.
Notably, South Africa recently filed a memorandum to the International Court of Justice outlining its genocide case against Israel. Diplomats have expressed optimism about a potential shift in Britain’s stance on Israel under the new Labour government, as evidenced by decisions to support funding for UNRWA, the UN relief agency in Palestine.
Overall, the meeting between Lammy and Lamola signifies a continuation of efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties and foster cooperation between the UK and South Africa. It reflects a commitment to building mutually beneficial relationships and addressing key global challenges together.
