US-South Africa relations important and extraordinary: Blinken

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says his country’s relationship with South Africa forms part of a vital and extraordinary partnership.

He met with his South African counterpart Ronald Lamola on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Blinken says the two countries have held important conversations in recent weeks.

He’s also addressed Pretoria’s future leadership of the G20 which starts in December.

“I look forward to our own strategic dialogue and also very much look forward to the fact that we will be, in effect, serving together in the leadership of the G20 as South Africa takes over next year. I think there is much important work to be done there.”

“We had a good session with our G20 partners the other day in advance of the Brazil-hosted leaders meeting.  We very much look forward to working closely with you (Lamola) on the many issues where South Africa and the United States together, I hope, can make progress for our people and for many, many others as well.”

VIDEO| Minister Lamola meets US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in bilateral talks: