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Ramaphosa: Strengthening US-South Africa Ties a ‘Priority’ Amid Diplomatic Row
South Africa remains committed to improving its relationship with the United States despite recent tensions, President Cyril Ramaphosa stated on Monday following the expulsion of Pretoria’s ambassador to Washington, Ebrahim Rasool.
The diplomatic fallout escalated last Friday when US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared Rasool “persona non grata” in a social media post. Rubio’s statement referenced a report by conservative outlet Breitbart, which claimed Rasool had described Trump’s Make America Great Again movement as “a white supremacist response to growing demographic diversity in the United States.”
Labeling Rasool a “race-baiting politician” with an anti-Trump stance, Rubio’s remarks signaled a significant strain in diplomatic ties.
Ramaphosa acknowledged the US government’s discontent but reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to strengthening relations.
“We have noted the displeasure expressed by the United States, particularly regarding the remarks he made,” Ramaphosa said. “Improving our relationship with the United States of America is a priority for us.”
Highlighting economic ties, he emphasized that the US remains South Africa’s second-largest trading partner after China.
The ambassador’s removal follows broader disagreements between the two nations, including South Africa’s legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice over the war in Gaza.
Rubio also previously refused to attend a G20 summit in South Africa in February, citing concerns over an “anti-American” agenda.
Ramaphosa assured that South Africa would engage diplomatically to ease tensions, with plans to send business and government envoys to the US.
“This is our responsibility as a government to advance the interests of our country as well as the interests of the people of South Africa,” he stated.
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Sourced:African Insider
