South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in Britain on Monday ahead of the first state visit hosted by King Charles III as monarch.
Ramaphosa arrived at London’s Stansted airport early Monday morning aboard a South African Air Force plane, becoming the first leader to be hosted for a state visit by the king who recently succeeded his mother to the throne.
The last state visit to the UK came in June 2019, when queen Elizabeth II hosted US president Donald Trump and his wife Melania.
King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla are expected to host Ramaphosa to a state banquet at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday evening, according to a statement by South Africa’s Presidency.
He is due to meet newly appointed British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at10 Downing Street on Wednesday.
“During the visit, President Ramaphosa will also hold official talks with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to review a range of issues of a bilateral, continental and global nature,” presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said on Monday.
The presidency said the visit is a furtherance of bilateral relations and as a symbol of respect and importance the UK attached to its relations with its former colony.
Key sectors under consideration for mutual benefit – and to support economic growth and development in South Africa – will include infrastructure development, mining, energy, manufacturing, agro-processing, business process outsourcing and tourism, Magwenya said.
Accompanying Ramaphosa on the visit are International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor; Higher Education, Science and Innovation Health Minister Blade Nzimande; Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel, and Health Minister Joe Phaahla.
NM/jn/APA