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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Patrick Wintour Diplomatic editor and Jason Burke in Johannesburg

South African president makes first UK state visit of King Charles’s reign

Cyril Ramaphosa is greeted by King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort, during a ceremonial welcome at Horse Guards Parade in London on Tuesday
Cyril Ramaphosa is greeted by King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort, during a ceremonial welcome at Horse Guards Parade in London on Tuesday. Photograph: Kirsty Wigglesworth/AFP/Getty Images

The South African president has started a two-day state visit to the UK, the first since King Charles took the throne, with the Conservative government eager to focus on trade rather than challenge South Africa’s refusal to impose sanctions on Russia over the invasion of Ukraine.

Cyril Ramaphosa’s trip has been much delayed due to Covid and only by chance became the first state visit of the king’s reign.

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