Ramaphosa-Trump meeting potential turning point for SA-US relations - Centre for Risk Analysis

JOHANNESBURG - The Centre for Risk Analysis believes the meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and United States (US) President Donald Trump marks a potential turning point for South Africa-US relations.

Its executive director, Chris Hattingh, said South Africa must now build on this diplomatic momentum by focusing on several priority areas including securing US participation in the G20, bilateral trade agreements, mining investment and infrastructure partnerships.

“South Africa needs to take a more active role in its region, so where it can cooperate with other countries in the region, that are closer to the US countries like Botswana, Rwanda because South African will also boost its regional standing."

Hattingh also cautioned against misinterpreting the “America First” rhetoric that shapes US foreign policy under the Trump administration.

“Countries like South Africa shouldn't take that on a very literal interpretation, and I say that because America First does not necessarily mean America alone. So, the Trump administration, even though they are pulling back on American activity on some countries, they’re looking to partner with countries that are responsible, economic and investor-friendly players in their respective regions. There’s no reason why South Africa can't be one of those countries.”

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