WASHINGTON, Nov 27 (KUNA) -- US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor on Saturday to discuss bilateral relations and the spread of Omicron variant of coronavirus.
During the conversation, Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Pandor emphasized the importance of continued partnership among the United States, the African Union, South Africa, and the other impacted nations in Africa to help vaccinate populations and combat the impacts of Covid-19. The Secretary expressed appreciation for the longstanding public health cooperation between the United States and South Africa, according to a statement attributable to State Department Spokesperson Ned Price. Secretary Blinken specifically praised South Africa's scientists for the quick identification of the Omicron variant and South Africa's government for its transparency in sharing this information, which should serve as a model for the world, the spokesperson added. (pickup previous) asj.gb