Statement on the former Finance Minsiter Gordon Brown's appointment as the UK's new Prime Minister

President Mbeki wishes to convey his warmest congratulations to Mr. Gordon Brown on his appointment as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and wishes him well in his future endeavours.

Relations between the two countries have traditionally been sound but have intensified significantly over the years since the Labour Party came into power in 1997.

The UK is a trusted and valued partner of South Africa and has played a constructive role in helping South Africa to take up its rightful role in the international community, after years of isolation. The strategic partnership and cooperation between the UK and SA are reflected in the strong and growing relations across various sectors as diverse as defence, education, science and technology and development co-operation.

The UK is one of South Africa's key economic partners globally. Bilateral trade relations have shown a strong upward trend over the years and there is a continued increase of investment in both directions. The UK remains the largest single foreign investor in South Africa. The UK has made a valuable contribution towards South Africa's endeavours to create sustainable economic growth, combat poverty and to create a better life for all South Africa's people.

Regarding the Africa Agenda, South Africa is convinced that Prime Minister Brown will build on the UK's existing constructive engagement in Africa not only on a bilateral level but also in a multilateral context inter alia the EU and the G8.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X 152
Pretoria 0001

27 June 2007