WASHINGTON 

US President Joe Biden hosted on Friday South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the White House for talks to discuss a wide range of topics, including an increase to bilateral trade.

Addressing reporters in brief remarks before going behind closed doors, Biden said "South Africa is a vital voice" on the world stage, and added Washington and Pretoria would work together on trade, climate, health, food security, COVID-19, among other issues.

"Our partnership is essential to addressing many of the world's pressing challenges," Biden said. "We have a lot to talk about."

For his part, Ramaphosa said it was a "joy" to meet Biden, and said he looked forward to discuss trade and investment with the US president, and thanked Biden for his help combatting COVID-19, including through the delivery of vaccines.

Ramaphosa said he also wished to discuss regional security with Biden, including insurgents in neighboring Mozambique.

"For us that's very important," he said. "There's a lot of issues we have to cover, and we really welcome this opportunity."

Biden's sit-down with Ramaphosa comes after the South African leader met behind closed doors with Vice President Kamala Harris, which Ramaphosa said covered women's empowerment, and climate change.