Trade and diplomacy take centre stage in Ramaphosa's meeting with Trump
President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to meet with US counterpart Donald Trump on Wednesday.
Image: GCIS / Se-Anne Rall
President Cyril Ramaphosa will not address the alleged persecution of white people in South Africa during his meeting with US President Donald Trump, as it has been deemed a falsehood, according to presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.
Ramaphosa leads a high-level South African delegation on a working visit to the US, as both countries navigate a complex diplomatic moment.
Speaking to the media, Magwenya said the meeting will focus on AGOA, high tariffs and trade relations.
'The whole world knows there is no such thing as a persecution of any particular race in South Africa. So, we don't need to spend any effort dispelling something that is not there,' he said.
'It's about refocusing our trade relationship. We would still like to see AGOA being extended and see South Africa's participation in AGOA.
'However, if the Trump administration decides to do away with the trade scheme, we will be ready to table a new trade relationship framework.'
The meeting will also discuss ways for the US to attend the G20 summit in South Africa later this year.
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Magwenya also dispelled speculative comparisons between Trump's prior engagement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the upcoming meeting with Ramaphosa.
'We don't think President Trump invited President Ramaphosa for that kind of treatment. There are issues of concern on the side of the US and our side as well…
'President Ramaphosa is not President Zelensky. He's got his own style of engaging, communicating, and so we cannot attribute that event to what may or may not happen tomorrow,' he stated.
The official meeting between the two presidents is scheduled for Wednesday.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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