By Lehlohonolo Lehana
@GettyImages.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has joined world leaders in sending congratulations to the new UK Prime Minister, Liz Truss.
Truss was sworn-in as the country’s third female prime minister following a meeting with Queen Elizabeth II, at Balmoral Castle on Tuesday.
The new Conservative Party leader is promising to rebuild the troubled UK economy with focuses on energy and health.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Presidency said South Africa and the United Kingdom enjoy historically strong and friendly relations.
Ramaphosa said that he was confident that the historically strong and friendly relations between South Africa and the United Kingdom would continue to grow from strength to strength under the leadership of Truss.
Bilateral cooperation between South Africa and the United Kingdom covers a range of areas including trade and investment, science and innovation, health, energy and the environment.
South Africa and the United Kingdom collaborate within the multilateral context to address global challenges such as peace and security, underdevelopment, poverty, economic growth, climate change and prevent future pandemics.
“Ramaphosa looks forward to working with Prime Minister Truss to further strengthen the bonds of cooperation and friendship between the two countries,” the Presidency said.
Truss, who replaces Boris Johnson, has already named key members of the UK’s new-look cabinet.
Queen Elizabeth II has already approved the ministerial appointments in the new government led by Truss.
Nadhim Zahawi was appointed as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Minister for Intergovernmental Relations and Minister for Equalities; Michelle Donelan as Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport; and Chris Heaton-Harris as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
Furthermore, in her address to the nation, Truss pledged to ride out the storm of the economic crisis and that she will take immediate action to tackle the challenges of a looming recession and rising costs.