South Africa says US midterm results will usher in new era
Relations between South Africa and the United States are at a low point.
President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that the outcomes of the United States' midterm elections would signal the beginning of a new period in international relations, following a sharp criticism of President Donald Trump by millions of voters. South Africa's ties with the US are currently at a low point, as Trump has singled out the nation primarily due to alleged persecution of white citizens, a claim South Africa refutes as a false narrative propagated by fringe groups.
Ramaphosa expressed his belief that the Democrats' acquisition of control over both the Senate and the House in the recent elections indicates a shift in world relations. Speaking to reporters after casting his vote in South Africa's municipal elections held on Wednesday, Ramaphosa said, "We have seen that the Democrats have taken control of the Senate and of the House, and the people of America have spoken...I do think that this is going to introduce a new era in world relations."
Ramaphosa acknowledged the negative impact of South Africa's suspension from the Washington's African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade initiative starting from January. He emphasized that while the setback is disheartening, South Africa's trade relations with the United States remain intact. "Whilst we are sad that we’ve been removed from AGOA, our trade relations with the United States continue," Ramaphosa remarked.
South Africa has been striving to secure alternative export markets, with diversification being the driving force behind this shift. Ramaphosa added, "our trade relations with the United States continue."
Written by urgent.news from SABC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
