President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated Sir Keir Starmer on being appointed Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK).

Prime Minister Starmer assumed the position on Friday, 5 July 2024, following the General Elections held on Thursday, 4 July 2024.

After unseating former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in what many have called a ‘landslide victory’, he became the first Labour Prime Minister in 14 years.

‘President Ramaphosa said he looks forward to working with Prime Minister Starmer to enhance the strong, historic relations between South Africa and the UK,’ the Presidency said in a statement on Saturday.

According to the Presidency, South Africa and the UK are strategic partners with a broad and vibrant relationship led by a commitment to liberal values, democracy and the rule of law.

The UK is one of South Africa’s largest bilateral trading and investment partners and remains South Africa’s number one source of long-haul tourism worldwide.

‘South Africa and the UK collaborate in various multilateral f
ora to advance shared ideals and objectives.’

In 2022, President Ramaphosa was the first Head of State to undertake a State Visit to the UK following an invitation from His Majesty, King Charles III.

The President’s Office described the State Visit as an important and momentous occasion to strengthen the cooperation and friendship between the two countries.

‘President Ramaphosa said he looks forward to working with Prime Minister Starmer to further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries and to address current global political and security challenges,’ said the Presidency.

Source: South African Government News Agency