Cape Town – The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) says it has noted a letter by a group of American lawmakers to President Joe Biden’s administration to punish South Africa for allegedly supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The letter specifically focuses on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) forum, an annual trade event scheduled to be hosted by South Africa.
A report about the letter was first published in New York Times on Tuesday.
The group of both US Democratic and Republican lawmakers has requested the relocation of a major trade conference, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) forum, from South Africa to another country.
AGOA provides duty-free access to the US trade market for several African nations, with South Africa being the largest beneficiary.
In the letter dated June 9 and addressed to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Trade Representative Katherine Tai and National Security Advisor Jacob Sullivan, the lawmakers express concerns over South Africa’s growing relationship with Russia, which is seen as a threat to US national interests.
But Dirco spokesperson Clayson Monyela said on Tuesday that while the letter has been submitted – there’s no decision by the US to move the trade forum elsewhere.
Monyela said that South Africa enjoys support from the US government and other stakeholders for hosting the Agoa forum.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa ‘special envoys recently visited the US to meet and explain South Africa’s active non-aligned position on the Russia/Ukraine conflict to key stakeholders and decision makers.
“Our diplomats in Washington continue to engage on these matters. President Cyril Ramaphosa is leading an African Peace Mission (in the coming days) to Russia and Ukraine.
I’ve received calls asking for a comment on this. This letter by the four US Congress members to Secretary Blinken is noted. There is no decision by the State department/Whitehouse to move the AGOA Forum from SA??. President Cyril Ramaphosa ‘special envoys recently visited the US… pic.twitter.com/bQnvLxA7Ds
— Clayson Monyela (@ClaysonMonyela) June 13, 2023
“South Africa enjoys the support of the US government, the Africa Group & Business in hosting the AGOA Forum which is planned for November. The relations between South Africa & the United States of America is mutually beneficial…even in the context of AGOA,” said Monyela.
The relationship between South Africa and Russia is being closely monitored by other countries, with concerns raised about military exercises conducted with China and Russia.
Diplomats from South Africa’s international relations department in Washington are continuing to engage with their counterparts.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
