UK PM and South Africa's Ramaphosa discuss "urgent" need to increase global vaccine access

Prime Minister Boris Johnson reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to increase global vaccine access during a bilateral meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the G7 summit, according to Downing Street.

“He explained the work the UK is doing to increase access to vaccines worldwide, which includes our financial contribution to COVAX and our recent announcement that the UK will donate 100 million surplus vaccines in the next year,” a Downing Street spokesperson said. 

“The leaders agreed there is an urgent need to expand vaccine manufacturing capacity around the world and increase access." 

According to Downing Street, the two leaders agreed to work together to “strengthen” the relationship between the UK and South Africa through enhancing trade partnership and investment links.

“The Prime Minister and President Ramaphosa discussed the need for the G7, and other large economies, to support clean and sustainable growth in the developing world,” the spokesperson added.

South Africa is one of several nations invited to this year's G7 summit as a guest.