South Africa plans to send a delegation to the U.S. for trade talks following Trump’s criticisms of the country’s land policies. Ramaphosa aims for a constructive agreement instead of justifying actions related to land expropriation. The U.S. is a key trading partner, and negotiations are deemed necessary for addressing various diplomatic and political issues.
Johannesburg – In response to recent criticism from former President Donald Trump, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa announced plans to send a delegation to the United States for trade talks. Ramaphosa emphasized the desire for a productive agreement on various diplomatic and trade matters, rather than a defensive explanation of South Africa’s policies.
Trump had earlier lambasted the South African government, accusing it of unlawfully confiscating land from white farmers. This comment followed the enactment of a new law by Ramaphosa’s administration, permitting government expropriation of land without compensation for public interest purposes, aimed at rectifying historic land ownership inequalities that persist post-apartheid.
Despite an initial positive communication between Ramaphosa and Trump after the latter’s inauguration, relations soured subsequently. Notably, the U.S. secretaries of state and finance chose to bypass the recent G20 meetings held in South Africa, indicating possible tensions.
Given its position as South Africa’s second-largest trading partner, Ramaphosa stressed the need to negotiate on various trade, diplomatic, and political fronts, acknowledging the inevitability of future agreements to address these critical issues.
In summation, President Ramaphosa’s commitment to engaging with the U.S. underscores South Africa’s effort to navigate post-criticism relations and foster better cooperation on critical issues. The recent law on land expropriation, while aimed at dismantling historical inequalities, has created diplomatic friction, necessitating constructive dialogue moving forward.
Original Source: www.newindianexpress.com
