'Trump and his team are clear, they want SA back into the Western camp' - Moeletsi Mbeki

JOHANNESBURG - Political economist, Moeletsi Mbeki, believes the United States’ (US) primary interest in South Africa is for the country to realign its foreign policy with American interests.

Mbeki has been keeping a close eye on diplomatic relations between the two countries ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s meeting with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday.

READ: Ramaphosa ready for his meeting with Trump to reset US-SA relations

Ramaphosa’s meeting with Trump aims to reset Pretoria’s turbulent relationship with Washington.

Mbeki said Trump has proven to be a transactional leader.

“Donald Trump and his team are very clear about what they want from South Africa. They want South Africa back into the Western camp. That is basically all they want. They feel South Africa has drifted away from the Western Camp and are getting closer and closer to the Eastern Camp, which is Russia and China.”

ALSO READ: Ramaphosa to present trade package to US with hopes of striking a good deal: Presidency