South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that Starlink was not discussed during his White House meeting with President Trump. He highlighted the presence of various other companies interested in providing satellite internet services and emphasized the importance of crafting a suitable environment for investment. Their discussion also touched on broader bilateral issues, amid controversies regarding reports of persecution of white farmers in South Africa.
On Tuesday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa made it clear that Starlink was not part of the agenda during his White House meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. Ramaphosa addressed journalists after his speech at the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium in South Africa. He emphasized, “Many people believe that we went to Washington to discuss Starlink. That is not so … notwithstanding the fact that Elon Musk was there as part of the US delegation.”
Further in his remarks, Ramaphosa pointed out that South Africa is well-versed in employing low-orbit satellites for internet access. While Starlink, a service operated by Musk’s SpaceX, has garnered attention, the South African president noted that the country has several other contenders for providing similar services. These include companies from China, Russia, Europe, and local entities.
Ramaphosa commented, “People tend to focus on one company only, and yet, we’ve got a plethora of companies that would want to get into this space.” He stressed that in order for investments in this sector to flourish, the environment must be developed carefully and supported with the right permits.
In addition, he mentioned the importance of public engagement in the investment process, highlighting the need for wide-ranging discussions and input from both stakeholders and everyday citizens.
This statement follows Ramaphosa’s meeting with Trump last Wednesday, where they spoke about bilateral relations and trade amidst rising tensions. Notably, Trump has made claims regarding the persecution of white Afrikaner farmers in South Africa, claims which Ramaphosa has vehemently denied. The context of this meeting also included the U.S.’s recent acceptance of a group of white South African refugees under a new resettlement initiative by the Trump administration.
It’s evident that while Starlink’s presence looms large, Ramaphosa is keen to convey that there’s much more happening in the satellite internet space and calls for a collaborative approach moving forward.
In summary, President Cyril Ramaphosa has clarified that discussions in the White House with President Trump did not revolve around Starlink. Instead, he underscored the presence of various other companies eager to engage in the satellite internet sector. Ramaphosa stresses the need for a well-planned investment environment and extensive community consultation in the upcoming initiatives. Additionally, the backdrop of their meeting included contentious claims about South Africa’s treatment of white farmers, a point Ramaphosa continues to contest.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
