Ramaphosa emphasises national sovereignty: 'We need to be treated as equals'

President Cyril Ramaphosa believes there should be zero tolerance for countries that threaten the national sovereignty of another state.

Ramaphosa’s comments come amid growing calls for stronger global cooperation across the globe.

Multilateralism is among the key themes on the table at the G20 discussions under South Africa’s presidency, which is due to end this weekend.

The thinly veiled criticism about bully states also comes amid concerns about United States (US) President Donald Trump's approach to foreign policy, which is defined by an "America first" doctrine that is highly sceptical of traditional multilateralism.

Ramaphosa addressed delegates at the close of the B20 Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre on Thursday, where business leaders from G20 member states joined other global captains of industry.

“We are sovereign countries, and we need to be treated as equals. Our sovereignty needs to be respected. We need to sit around the table as equals and have the same share of knowledge, the same share of capability, without any bullying of the other, without any.”

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