Media Statement
18 May 2023
Deputy Minister Botes to host his UK counterpart for bilateral talks
The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, will on Thursday, 18 May 2023, host his United Kingdom counterpart, Mr Andrew Mitchell, Minister of State for Development and Africa of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for bilateral talks.
The meeting is expected to discuss various bilateral, regional and international issues as well as preparations for the 13th Session of the SA–UK Bilateral Forum to be hosted by Minister Naledi Pandor in the latter half of 2023.
Bilateral relations between South Africa and the United Kingdom are managed through the Bilateral Forum, which was established in 1997. The forum meets biennially at the level of Foreign Minister.
The various programmes of cooperation between South Africa and the UK are closely linked to the country’s national priorities and the State Visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa to the UK in November 2022 was an important step in reconfirming and cementing the strong bonds between the two countries.
The UK is one of South Africa’s most important trade and investment partners. For the year period 2012 to 2021, total trade between South Africa and the UK increased from approximately R56.3 billion to approximately R148.5 billion, a percentage increase of 163.8%. On average, total exports from South Africa to the UK increased by 20% annually over the ten-year period ending in 2021. For the year 2022, South Africa exported goods for the value of R102 452 855 179 and imported goods for the value of R 29 718 110 249.
The UK is South Africa’s number one source of long-haul tourism in the world, a position it has not relinquished for the past 19 years. UK tourists to South Africa have a very high repeat visitor rate, and 67% of visitors who have been to South Africa return.
Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, 082 884 5974
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
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