§ Mr. SarwarTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on British relations with South Africa. [25645]
§ Mr. Tony LloydThe relationship thrives on many levels. The UK is South Africa's largest trading partner; there are close political links across a wide range of issues; we have a major development programme in South Africa; and cultural and sporting ties abound and have expanded since the 1994 changes. Recent highlights included President Mandela's two visits to the UK last year, the Prince of Wales's visit to South Africa in November, and Deputy President Mbeki's visit to London for the first meeting of the UK/South Africa Bilateral Forum.