'We will not be distracted', says Ramaphosa on upcoming US trip
Ramaphosa said a key priority for the SA delegation will be addressing trade, diplomatic, and relationship issues,
President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly stated that the South African delegation heading to the United States (US) will remain focused on critical bilateral issues during upcoming talks with his counterpart, Donald Trump, despite recent tensions between the two nations.
'We are not going to be distracted by anything.
'We will just focus on what is important for our country,' the president told the media after an ANC event held in Kimberley on Friday.
Ramaphosa determined to address core issues
Ramaphosa emphasised that his delegation will approach the discussions with clear objectives centered on trade relations, diplomatic concerns, and broader relationship matters between the two countries.
'I'm going with ministers and there are some other people who are accompanying me.
'We are a sovereign state and we will be conducting our discussions in a business-like manner, representing the interests of our country,' he said.
The delegation comprises Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, and the Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, who is also the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen.
The presidency has expressed optimism about resolving current disagreements between South Africa and the US during these high-level talks.
ALSO READ: White House showdown? Ramaphosa looks to 'reset relationship' with Trump next week
False genocide claims cast shadow over relations
The discussions come amid unfounded allegations from the Trump administration about the 'mistreatment' of white South Africans, particularly Afrikaners.
Despite no evidence supporting claims of white genocide in South Africa, the US presidency has controversially granted 'refugee' status to 49 Afrikaners, drawing criticism both locally and internationally.
Ramaphosa addressed these false narratives directly.
'Every South African knows and agrees that there's no genocide here.
'And the false stories that have been perpetrated or that have been vended around, we all know are not true. They are not a reflection of who we are.'
The president further affirmed South Africa's national identity, stating: 'We are a peace-loving country, a country that is committed to transformation, to ensuring that the people of our country have a better life and all of them for that matter without distinguishing whether this one is black, this one is white.
'It's all South Africans set out in the Freedom Charter, as set out in our own constitution.'
ALSO READ: Ramaphosa to meet Trump, says 49 Afrikaners headed to US are not 'refugees'
Ramaphosa to focus on trade and economic relations
A key priority for the South African delegation will be addressing trade issues, particularly tariffs recently imposed by the US.
'We've got a number of issues to discuss. Trade issues, diplomatic issues, and relationship issues.
'They have imposed tariffs on us, even though they've postponed them. We need to deal with that,' Ramaphosa stated, highlighting the economic importance of the relationship.
He elaborated on the significance of bilateral trade.
'We do quite a bit of trade with the United States. Our vehicles go there. Our vegetables and our agricultural products go there.
'They are our trading partner and we, therefore, need to interact with them.'
ALSO READ: Will Trump embarrass SA at White House meeting?
Pragmatic approach to international relations
Despite current tensions, Ramaphosa stressed the necessity of diplomatic engagement, regardless of differences.
'Whether we like it or not, we are joined at the hip and we need to be talking to them. And you don't talk to your friends or negotiate anything with your friends.
'You also negotiate with those that you may have differences with,' the presiding explained, outlining South Africa's pragmatic approach to international relations.
'We will be carrying forward a South African message and we are very, very strong on that and robust as well.'
NOW READ: International relations expert says Ramaphosa should not antagonise Trump
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