Washington: President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to Washington, D.C. is a significant step in strengthening the strategic and mutually beneficial relationship between South Africa and the United States.
According to South African Government News Agency, Clayson Monyela, the Head of Public Diplomacy at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), emphasized the importance of the visit ahead of the President’s arrival in the US capital.
Monyela expressed that the upcoming meeting on Wednesday will provide an opportunity to address and clarify issues, thereby enhancing the relationship between the two nations. He highlighted the significance of President Ramaphosa’s visit, accompanied by four Ministers to meet with President Trump and his delegation, as a positive step for the strategic relationship.
Monyela described the US as South Africa’s second-largest trading partner and noted that the two countries have been strategic partners for many years. He emphasized that the meeting offers a platform to discuss matters that will enhance existing ties to benefit the people of both nations. He also expressed confidence that the meeting would help the countries move forward as strategic partners.
Monyela highlighted the reciprocal nature of economic relations, noting that South Africa is also an investor in the US economy. South African companies, such as Nando’s, operate in the US, employing many US nationals.
President Ramaphosa is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday.