President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Washington DC for his official working visit to the United States this week.
He is expected to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday.
Ramaphosa travelled with DA leader John Steenhuisen, Minister of Trade and Industry Parks Tau, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola and new special envoy to the US, Mcebisi Jonas.
In a statement released earlier, Steenhuisen said the historic and crucial visit centres around engaging with Trump and other senior US officials.
“The highest issues on my priority list will be securing trade relations between the US and SA, particularly in agriculture, to protect jobs, grow the economy and expand employment opportunities,” he said.
Steenhuisen explained that SA’s relationship with the US is one of immense importance.
“Preferential trade agreements such as AGOA contribute significantly to our economy. Losing these benefits would be disastrous for farmers, farm workers and the economy at large,” he added.
The visit comes following the departure of more than 40 Afrikaners in recent days and the continued reporting around white genocide in South Africa. These have led to Trump cutting aid to the country.
Meanwhile, the visit has been met with criticism from some parts.
According to Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema Ramaphosa’s trip to the US is ill-timed and detrimental to South Africa’s sovereignty.
seanne.rall@iol.co.za
IOL
