South African President Visits U.S. To Rebuild Ties With Washington

On Monday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in the United States to prepare for a Wednesday meeting with President Donald Trump.

Ties between Washington and South Africa have reached their lowest point in decades, prompting Ramaphosa’s state visit.

The South African leader aims to restore and strengthen bilateral relations, with a particular focus on trade cooperation.

Since taking office again, Trump has
halted all financial assistance to South Africa, removed its ambassador, and made unfounded claims of a government-led genocide against white Afrikaners.

The U.S. recently granted refugee status to 59 white South Africans who claimed persecution in their homeland.

According to the South African presidency, Ramaphosa will address “bilateral, regional, and global issues of interest” during his discussions with Trump.

Accompanying him are several officials, including Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, who leads the Democratic Alliance, the second-largest party in South Africa’s government of national unity.

During his time in Washington, Ramaphosa is also expected to explore business prospects for companies owned by South African-born Elon Musk, a close ally and advisor to Trump.