Ramaphosa congratulates newly elected UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer

President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated Keir Starmer on his appointment as the United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister and expressed his anticipation for strengthening relations between the two countries.

 

Starmer assumed the position on 5 July, following general elections held a day earlier, in which he defeated the conservative candidate Rishi Sunak.

 

Ramaphosa also shared that he received a congratulatory message from his Egyptian counterpart, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, as he begins his term as President of the Government of National Unity (GNU).

 

The President highlighted that the UK is one of South Africa’s largest bilateral trading and investment partners and remains South Africa’s top source of long-haul tourism. In congratulating Starmer, Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations.

 

“South Africa and the UK collaborate in various multilateral fora to advance shared ideals and objectives,” Ramaphosa stated.

 

In 2022, Ramaphosa was the first head of state to undertake a state visit to the UK following an invitation from King Charles III, which further strengthened ties between the two countries.

 

On the topic of diplomatic relations, Ramaphosa mentioned that he was honored to receive a phone call from the Egyptian president, who warmly congratulated him on his new term of office. President El-Sisi expressed his hope that South Africa and Egypt would continue to cooperate on issues of mutual interest.