Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes paid a courtesy visit to Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey at Marlborough House on March 10, 2026.
The meeting, captured in photos showing a warm handshake against the backdrop of ornate decor and the Commonwealth flag, highlighted shared values and potential collaborations. Botchwey, appointed in 2024 after serving as Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, leads the 56-member organisation in promoting democracy, human rights, and sustainable development as outlined in the Commonwealth Charter.
Botes emphasized South Africa’s role in advancing African interests within the bloc, amid preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). The engagement fosters a better Africa and world. The visit comes as global tensions rise, with both nations advocating for equitable trade and climate action. Analysts see it as a step toward deeper SA-Commonwealth partnerships, potentially boosting economic ties post-Brexit.
Images: DIRCO
