Cape Town — Following Cyril Ramaphosa’s re-election as president of the Government of National Unity (GNU), the USA has taken steps to strengthen its relationship with South Africa.
US President, Joe Biden, has been in contact with Ramaphosa and promised him that he will attend the G20 Summit next year, to be hosted by South Africa. The two countries hope to delve deeper into refreshing the relations between the two respective capitals, Pretoria and Washington, The Citizen reported.
Many saw the contact between the two countries as a clear indication from Biden that South Africa remains top of the USA’s agenda to build the relationship. The US embassy in South Africa confirmed that Biden and Ramaphosa spoke and he commended the country on the formation of the GNU, a US embassy statement said.
Biden also took the opportunity to discuss their commitment to a partnership towards a growing economy, better jobs, and safer communities.
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke with President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa to commend the Republic of South Africa for forming a Government of National Unity and to congratulate him on his recent re-election by the National Assembly.
Read the full statement here:… pic.twitter.com/MaEwpNL0DA
— US Embassy SA (@USEmbassySA) July 3, 2024
During the telephone conversation, Ramaphosa and Biden also discussed the US-SA bilateral relationship and areas of future partnership, including leadership in the G20.
“Together, the US and SA are committed to deepening our cooperation and advancing our shared interests, including growing economic prosperity, combating the climate crisis, strengthening health systems, and ensuring that democracy delivers for all people,” the embassy said.
According to SowetanLIVE, the relations between the two countries were also strengthened due to the strong relationship between the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, and the outgoing Minister of International Relations, Naledi Pandor. Blinken praised Pandor during a phone call, praising her efforts as minister.
“He expressed appreciation for their collaboration during her tenure, which included working together on global peace and security, expanding bilateral trade, advancing shared health goals, and supporting renewable energy sources to address climate change and provide reliable power,” Blinken’s spokesperson, Matthew Miller, said.
Miller said Blinken spoke with new International Relations Minister, Ronald Lamola, to discuss relations between the two countries, as well as the ongoing conflicts in Russia and Gaza.
Pandor was responsible for for setting up the Agoa agreement after US ambassador, Reuben Brigety, made serious allegations against South Africa after a TV interview, threatening trade relations between the two countries.
.@SecBlinken spoke with former South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Pandor to express appreciation for their collaboration during her tenure.
— Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) July 4, 2024
.@SecBlinken spoke with South Africa’s new Foreign Minister Lamola and congratulated him on his new role. They discussed Russia’s war against Ukraine, the conflict in Gaza, and the U.S.-South Africa partnership.
— Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) July 5, 2024
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/@USEmbassySA
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Matthew Petersen
