International relations

SA, UK 'to tackle global issues together'

5 March 2010

Following a meeting between South African President Jacob Zuma and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in London on Thursday, South Africa and the UK agreed to work together in the run-up to international conferences on nuclear non-proliferation, climate change and the economy.

At a joint press conference at Downing Street following their meeting, Brown praised the role South Africa had taken on the international stage in recent years, saying he and Zuma had agreed to work together in the run-up to April's international conference on nuclear non-proliferation, as well as the next G20 Summit in Canada.

They also discussed the situation in Zimbabwe, with Zuma suggesting that European Union sanctions on Zimbabwe be eased to help the country move forward. Brown rejected this call, but agreed on the need for joint efforts on Zimbabwe.

Zuma was visiting Number 10 Downing Street as part of a three-day state visit to the UK. On Wednesday, he and Brown had joined the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at a ceremony in Whitehall and a state banquet at Buckingham Palace.

Zuma's delegation for the visit includes several members of his government and a large number of business leaders. Zuma told the press conference: "I think this makes a statement that no one should doubt our commitment to this historic, very deep relationship with the UK."

Brown and Zuma also discussed their ambition to promote better education for children around the world during the upcoming 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa.

It was proposed that South Africa host a global summit on education during the World Cup, to be attended by governments, non-governmental organisations, and sportsmen and women from around the world.

Brown said he and Zuma would put on the agenda of the planned meeting "how we can move forward – with the impetus and momentum of the World Cup – to leave a lasting legacy of a commitment to every child in Africa and the world having the chance for primary education for the first time."

Following the press conference, Zuma and Brown joined England footballer Steven Gerrard and South African football captain Aaron Mokoena to discuss the 1 Goal campaign to promote education for children worldwide.

SAinfo reporter, Number10.gov.uk and BuaNews



	South African President Jacob Zuma and his wife, Tobeka Madiba-Zuma, meet British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife, Sarah Brown at 10 Downing Street, London, 4 March 2010 (Photo © Department of International Relations and Cooperation)