Cyril Ramaphosa ‘optimistic’ about positive outcome from talks with Trump

President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed optimism on Monday about his upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump, emphasizing South Africa’s strong commitment to securing a mutually beneficial trade deal and strengthening diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Addressing the media ahead of the high-level meeting at the White House in Washington DC, Ramaphosa spoke with confidence and hope, presenting the visit as a chance to boost economic cooperation and promote South Africa’s interests in an evolving global environment.

‘Good discussions’

“We are always ready; we are hoping to have really good discussions with President Trump and his fellow government colleagues … we are looking forward to a really good and positive meeting. 

“We’re looking forward to a very good outcome for our country, for our people, for the jobs in our country and good trade relations, and to normalise relations between our two countries,” the President explained.

As disinformation about alleged “genocide” in South Africa continues to attract attention, Cyril Ramaphosa, who arrived in the US on Monday, firmly stated that trade and investment promotion will remain the main focus of the discussions.
He also emphasised the importance of securing a robust trade agreement that supports economic growth, fosters job creation, and strengthens investment flows.

“The trade relations are the most important, that’s what has brought us here. We want to come out of the United States with a really good trade deal and investment promotion. 

“We invest in the United States, and they invest in us, and we want to strengthen those relations. We want to consolidate good relations between our two countries. So, I’m very positive. I’m looking forward to the discussions,” the President said. 

‘Do what’s best for South Africa’

Asked about the inclusion of tech-related matters such as South African-born entrepreneur Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service in the bilateral talks, the President was clear in that the delegation will do what is best for South Africa.

“Well, we are a sovereign country, and we are a very proud nation, and we [will] preserve our sovereignty. We will always do what is best for South Africans,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said. 

The President’s visit to the US comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and South Africa’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

President Ramaphosa acknowledged the global scrutiny but maintained that South Africa approaches such matters with rationality and its national interest at heart.

“Well, we are going to have an opportunity to discuss geopolitical issues, not only Israel, but also Ukraine. And so, all these matters will be on the table for proper discussion. 

“We are very rational when it comes to discussing global and geopolitical matters, and we will put South Africa’s interest first and our own foreign policy positions clarified.  So, fear not, we are going to have a really good meeting,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President is visiting the US with a high-level delegation of Ministers, including Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau, Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen, and Special Envoy to the United States Mcebisi Jonas.