Biden hosts South African president at White House for talks

WASHINGTON

US President Joe Biden hosted on Friday South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the White House for talks to discuss a wide range of topics, including an increase to bilateral trade.

Addressing reporters in brief remarks before going behind closed doors, Biden said "South Africa is a vital voice" on the world stage, and added Washington and Pretoria would work together on trade, climate, health, food security, COVID-19, among other issues.

"Our partnership is essential to addressing many of the world's pressing challenges," Biden said. "We have a lot to talk about."

For his part, Ramaphosa said it was a "joy" to meet Biden, and said he looked forward to discuss trade and investment with the US president, and thanked Biden for his help combatting COVID-19, including through the delivery of vaccines.

Ramaphosa said he also wished to discuss regional security with Biden, including insurgents in neighboring Mozambique.

"For us that's very important," he said. "There's a lot of issues we have to cover, and we really welcome this opportunity."

Biden's sit-down with Ramaphosa comes after the South African leader met behind closed doors with Vice President Kamala Harris, which Ramaphosa said covered women's empowerment, and climate change.