This morning, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson held talks with South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa in Carbis Bay.

In March, it was announced the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was to attend the G7 Leaders' Summit in Cornwall as a guest.

President Ramaphosa led Africa's response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and played a key role on the issue internationally.

South African scientists and researchers have also contributed to further understanding of the virus.

In a full statement, President Ramaphosa stated that the pandemic is "not over" and ending it should be the immediate priority.

Mr Ramaphosa's visit to the United Kingdom also afforded South Africa and the UK an opportunity to deepen ties that connect the two countries.

His statement following the meeting read:

"To successfully contain a virus of this nature, to limit the loss of life, and to prevent the emergence of new variants requires that as many of the world's population is vaccinated in the shortest time possible.

"At the same time, we need to address the substantial financing gap for tests, treatments, critical supplies like oxygen, and the health systems that enable testing, treatment, and vaccination.

"It is therefore vital that G7 countries – which together account for more than half of global output – provide substantial support to the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator.

"We call on all G7 Members to support the waiver and engage in negotiations that will result in a balanced outcome that massively and rapidly expands production in Africa across the world.

"The negotiations must be concluded soon because the cost of inaction is measured in people's lives."

See the statement in full here.

What else was discussed?

The Prime Minister outlined the importance of the UK's relationship with South Africa and the leaders agreed to work together to strengthen that relationship, including through enhancing their trade partnership and investment links.

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

Boris and Ramaphosa discussed the need for the G7, and other large economies, to support clean and sustainable growth in the developing world.

They also talked about a number of foreign policy issues including Zimbabwe.

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