By Zukile Majova
- Ramaphosa says South Africa is still in talks with the US despite ambassador’s removal.
- The President insists SA is a key partner and can’t be ignored by America.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the removal of South Africa’s ambassador to the United States is just a small setback in a strong relationship between the two countries.
He called it “just a hiccup” and said South Africa is not being ignored by the US government.
“Ebrahim Rasool will be coming back… and he is going to come back and give me a full report. So I will wait for a full report from him,” Ramaphosa said on Monday.
He dismissed reports that the US is cutting off ties with South Africa.
“We are not being blue ticked, we are engaging. We are not being ignored, we are continuing to engage with them.
“A great deal of progress has been made by our ambassador in setting out the path to make sure there is meaningful engagement at the diplomatic level,” he said.
Ramaphosa said South Africa plays an important role in global politics and trade, and the US knows it.
“We cannot be blue ticked because we are such an important player to the United States of America, as they are an important player to South Africa.
“From a political point of view, from a trade point of view and from many other important points of view… we are not blue tickable, if I can use that term.”
He said the government would continue to work with the US respectfully.
“We will do so with deep respect for them and President Trump as well. We will deal with the US as an important global player.”
Ramaphosa urged South Africans not to lose sleep over the diplomatic issue.
He also confirmed that South Africa and the US are expected to work together in peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine.
Ramaphosa recently led a delegation of African leaders who met both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Zelensky is expected to visit South Africa soon, and Ramaphosa said both he and Trump are working towards peace in the region.
Pictured above: President Cyril Ramaphosa.�
Image source: File
