The Deputy President will also use the visit as an opportunity to garner support for South Africa’s bid for a Non-Permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for the 2011-12 period, while building on the success of the State Visit that took place this year in March and maintaining the momentum for the UK-SA Bilateral Forum to be held early in 2011.

He will also thank the United Kingdom for its support during 2010 FIFA World Cup.

 "The visit will see Deputy President Motlanthe raising several issues with the UK leadership, which will include developments in the African continent and the promotion of the African agenda as a cornerstone of South Africa's foreign policy," the department said in a statement.

During the visit, Motlanthe will meet with the new UK coalition government leaders, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and the new Minister for Africa, Henry Bellingham with an aim of establishing relationships with them

UK is one of SA's major foreign trading partners. South Africa and the UK have extensive trade and economic relations, which at present continue to strengthen with a healthy flow of investments in both directions. Total trade between the two countries was valued at R74 billion in 2008.

Motlanthe will be accompanied by Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and International Relations and Co-operation Deputy Minister Ebrahim Ebrahim. – BuaNews