KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, held a successful and progressive engagement with the newly appointed United States Consul General in Durban, Mr James Liddle, as part of efforts to further strengthen relations between KwaZulu-Natal and the United States.

Mr Liddle has been deployed to KwaZulu-Natal for a three-year term and used the engagement to reaffirm the continued presence of the United States diplomatic mission in Durban.

During the meeting, the Consul General assured Premier Ntuli that the US Consulate in Durban will remain open, dismissing speculation that the diplomatic office was set to close.

Premier Ntuli welcomed the assurance, noting the importance of a continued diplomatic presence in strengthening cooperation, maintaining established relationships and facilitating engagements between KwaZulu-Natal and the United States.

Consul General Liddle also commended Premier Ntuli for his leadership and efforts to foster strong diplomatic relations.

The engagement provided an opportunity for both parties to discuss areas in which cooperation between KwaZulu-Natal and the United States could be further strengthened.

Particular emphasis was placed on expanding commercial and economic opportunities, with both sides agreeing on the importance of developing partnerships that can contribute towards investment, trade and economic growth.

Premier Ntuli reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s commitment to using international relations and economic diplomacy as instruments to unlock opportunities for the province and its people.

He said KwaZulu-Natal remains open to partnerships that contribute towards economic development, investment and stronger international cooperation.

The engagement with the newly appointed Consul General forms part of the Provincial Government’s broader efforts to strengthen relationships with diplomatic missions and international partners represented in the province.

Premier Ntuli welcomed Mr Liddle to KwaZulu-Natal and expressed confidence that his three-year tenure would provide further opportunities to deepen the relationship between the province and the United States.

The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both parties to maintaining strong diplomatic ties while exploring practical opportunities for greater commercial and economic collaboration.

KwaZulu-Natal, Inspiring New Hope.

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