South Africa and the United Kingdom could learn a great deal from each other, British Secretary of State Geoffrey Hoon said on Tuesday.

"We work closely together with South Africa in order to make a contribution to resolve some of the difficulties South Africa is confronting in this continent," he said when he and South African Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota renewed a defence co-operation agreement in Cape Town for another five years.

"I'm delighted that we have agreed to renew the SA-UK defence co-operation arrangement," Hoon said.

"It is something that is enormously valued by the UK and its armed forces."

Hoon said his government admired the work that South Africa had done in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

"If we can play a small part in assisting you in that work we will very much like to do so."

Lekota said the British governments efforts in enhancing capacity-building for peace missions and developmental support for Africa would improve South Africa's capabilities in this field.

"It is our view that this will add value to efforts of Nepad with respect to regional and continental stability and security," Lekota said.

Lekota said the signing of the renewal of the memorandum confirmed South Africa's commitment to bring peace and stability to the world.

Hoon and Lekota will hold discussions with the Defence Select Committee, the Defence Portfolio Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday.

Hoon is also due to address the Cape Town Press Club on Wednesday before touring Robben Island.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and www.iafrica.co.za