Cape Town — President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his optimism over the increased cooperation between South Africa and the USA, currently led by Donald Trump.
Speaking in Davos at the World Economic Forum (WEF), Ramaphosa revealed the commonalities between himself and Trump, saying the two would be able to work together, IOL reported.
“President Trump is a great deal-maker, and so am I, so we will be able to work together,” Ramaphosa spoke to South Africans and international journalists in freezing-cold Switzerland outdoors.
Ramaphosa was asked if he was concerned about Trump’s return to the White House and what that would mean for the South Africa and US relations, Daily Maverick reported.
He responded: “No, I am not worried about our relations. I spoke to him soon after he was elected, congratulated him and we both said we are looking forward to continue to dealings and engagements.”
Trump is a great dealmaker — South African President Ramaphosa pic.twitter.com/nrWstTK0Rp
— RT (@RT_com) January 22, 2025
The president revealed that he was unable to attend Trump’s inauguration as he had commitments with the African National Congress’s (ANC) preparation for its lekgotla. He said it would not affect relations with Trump and South Africa has maintained good relations with the US, which will continue with Trump at the helm.
“I know President Trump and I are going to continue either dealing together or meeting. So, it is not a train smash. We have good dealings with the United States on a trade level, economic level and we are hopeful that those relations will be retained, and we will continue to have good relations too at a political level as we interact also with President Trump,” said Ramaphosa.
South Africa is the current holder of the G20 Summit for 2025 with the US set to take over the Presidency in 2026. Ramaphosa said it was a perfect opportunity for the two to work closely throughout the year.
“America is the next president of the G20 so we will be working together to prepare the United States for their presidency and so we will be having lots of discussions,” said Ramaphosa.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
