Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his South African counterpart since his appointment.

South Africa is a critical partner for the UK, whom we engage regularly at senior official and Ministerial level. The UK and South Africa have a deep and longstanding partnership based on shared values. We are working together to promote democratic principles and human rights for all as well as partnering to deliver economic growth and building a more climate resilient world.

On July 16, Lord Collins attended a Westminster Abbey service marking thirty years since the end of Apartheid and met with South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola. The Foreign Secretary then welcomed Foreign Minister Lamola as the first international guest of his tenure. They discussed the broad range of cooperation between the UK and South Africa across shared priorities on trade and investment, economic growth, addressing climate change, and ensuring security. The Foreign Secretary looks forward to future discussions with Foreign Minister Lamola.