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Former Ambassador Welile Nhlapo
Former South African ambassador to the US, Welile Nhlapo, says the main concern going into the meeting would be if the US attempts to influence South Africa’s diplomatic relationships with other nations.
“I think we need to move on the basis of what the actual relationship between us and the US is, in terms of trade and in terms of where we don’t see eye to eye on a number of geopolitical issues. But what I would be worried about is if they want to tell us how and who we should be able to talk to, based on what. That will be problematic. That could cause a breakdown,” Nhlapo says.
He adds that he is not concerned about the tone of the meeting, but stressed the importance of mutual respect in the engagement.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump today in an effort to strengthen bilateral relations between South Africa and the United States.
The meeting comes amid recent tensions between the two countries.
Speaking from the South African Embassy in Washington, DC, Ramaphosa describes the engagement as important and adding he expects a positive outcome.
“I’m looking forward to a really good and positive meeting. We are looking forward to a good outcome for our country, for our people, for the jobs in our country and good relations and to normalise relations,” says Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa on working visit to the USA
