JOHANNESBURG

South Africa and Britain said Tuesday they will work on strengthening trade ties during a meeting in Cape Town.

“Foreign Secretary, at the outset, I wish to take this opportunity to reconfirm that the United Kingdom remains a key partner for South Africa,” Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said at the meeting with his UK counterpart, David Lammy.

Lamola acknowledged the close bonds of friendship and people-to-people engagements that exist between the two peoples and countries.

He noted that the trade and investment relationship had stagnated somewhat, not only because of the coronavirus pandemic but also because of the general state of the global economy and various domestic challenges.

Lammy said as a new government, the UK is committed to growth, climate leadership, trade, climate finance, technical assistance and added that there is much that UK and South Africa can do together.

He said their communique reflects a bold vision that sets up a new direction for the relationship.

“With our shared ambitions, I think on growth, climate and security we can achieve a lot for our countries but also I hope for the region and for broader global security and strength,” he said.

Lammy began his visit to Nigeria and South Africa on Nov. 3 -- his first trip to the continent as foreign secretary and the first by a UK top diplomat to South Africa since 2013.

Britain’s Prince William, meanwhile, met President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday in Cape Town and discussed issues of mutual interests.

“The President and Prince William held discussions on a number of key issues of mutual interest. The visit is indicative of the strong ties the United Kingdom, including the Royal family, share with South Africa, and also another step towards the deepening of these historic ties,” the presidency said in a statement on X.

The Prince of Wales and heir to the British throne is in South Africa on a four-day visit to attend a series of events, including the annual awards ceremony of the Earthshot Prize on Wednesday.

The presidency said Monday that it is pleased to host this year's Earthshot Prize ceremony because of the initiative's focus on Africa.

“The Earthshot Prize is a remarkable initiative that shines a light on the impact of climate change, environmental degradation and pollution, as well as the creative solutions people and communities across the globe generate,” it said.