Ramaphosa and World leaders congratulate Starmer after stunning election win.

By Lehlohonolo Lehana.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated Keir Starmer on his election as the new prime minister of the United Kingdom.

Starmer has become the United Kingdom’s new prime minister after his centre-left opposition Labour Party swept to a landslide victory, ending 14 years of Conservative rule.

“The work for change begins immediately,” Starmer said in a speech outside 10 Downing Street, the prime minister’s official residence. “We will rebuild Britain. …. Brick by brick, we will rebuild the infrastructure of opportunity.”

The spokesperson in the presidency, Vincent Magwenya, said Ramaphosa looks forward to enhancing the strong, historic relations between the countries.

“South Africa and the UK are strategic partners with a broad and vibrant relationship, led by a commitment to liberal values, democracy and the rule of law.

“The UK is one of South Africa’s largest bilateral trading and investment partners and remains South Africa’s number one source of long-haul tourism in the world.

“South Africa and the UK collaborate in various multilateral fora to advance shared ideals and objectives.” he said.

Here are reactions to his historic win from around the world:

French President Emmanuel Macron

“Pleased with our first discussion. We will continue the work begun with the UK for our bilateral cooperation, for peace and security in Europe, for the climate and for AI,” Macron posted on X.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

“I’d like to salute Keir Starmer, the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom for the Labour Party. I wish you a great term. Count on Brazil to strengthen the diplomatic ties between our countries, sustainable development and democracy” Lula posted on X.

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris

“Keir Starmer has brought the Labour Party a comprehensive victory. … The relationship between Ireland and the UK is deeply consequential for all people across these islands,” Harris said in a statement. “I look forward to early engagement with the incoming Prime Minister.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

“Ukraine and the United Kingdom have been and will continue to be reliable allies through thick and thin. We will continue to defend and advance our common values of life, freedom, and a rules-based international order. I wish the incoming government every success both in domestic affairs and in solidifying the UK’s leadership on the world stage. I look forward to working closely together on strengthening the Ukraine-UK partnership and restoring international peace and security,” Zelenskyy posted on X.

He also thanked outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for his government’s “steadfast support”.

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi

El-Sisi congratulated Starmer in a statement issued by his presidential office. He said he looked to continue cooperation between the UK and Egypt “to achieve development and stability at the international and regional levels.”

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