By Zukile Majova
Political Editor
- President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulates Donald Trump on his US presidential win, emphasising continued partnership amid concerns about trade with China.
- Trump’s anticipated stance on halting aid to Ukraine sparks reactions from Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated Donald Trump on being elected as the next US president.
Trump will return to the White House as the 47th president after beating outgoing US Vice President Kamala Harris in a major election.
Ramaphosa, aware that Trump’s policies might affect South Africa’s trade with China, its biggest trading partner, said that South Africa has a strong relationship with the United States.
“I look forward to keeping the close and beneficial partnership between our two nations,” said Ramaphosa.
“On the global stage, we look forward to our turn as G20 president in 2025, and to working with the US when they take over the G20 presidency in 2026.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin also said he is eager to start discussions with Trump. Putin is currently at war with Ukraine, which has received billions of dollars in US aid and weapons.
Trump, a known friend of Putin, is expected to stop US funding for Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Zelensky responded, hoping Ukraine would benefit from Trump’s leadership.
“We look forward to a strong United States under President Trump’s leadership. We rely on continued strong support for Ukraine from the United States,” he said.
Zelensky has been hoping to get Ukraine into NATO – a military alliance of over 30 countries.
Pictured above: Cyril Ramaphosa and Donald Trump.
Source: File
