Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the government of South Africa (a) joining naval exercises with Russia and China and (b) raising the possibility of extending diplomatic immunity to visiting heads of state under ICC indictment; and if he will make a statement.

The UK is working with the UN and partners across Africa to protect the UN charter and insist on the end of Russia's illegal invasion. The UK was disappointed with South Africa's decision to hold a military exercise with Russia, which coincided with the first anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine. The Foreign Secretary discussed a range of issues, including the Ukraine conflict, with South African Foreign Minister Pandor on 6 May 2023. The UK remains committed to our long-term relationship with South Africa. We encourage all International Criminal Court (ICC) States Parties to adhere to the Rome Statute and to co-operate with the ICC in line with their international obligations.