The United States has denied allegations that it pressured France to withdraw South Africa’s invitation to the upcoming G7 summit, amid diplomatic scrutiny over the decision.
French officials maintain that the move was a strategic choice, not influenced by any external actors. According to France’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, the decision to invite Kenya instead was based on its role as host of the upcoming Africa-France summit scheduled to take place in Nairobi in May.
The ministry reiterated that South Africa remains an important partner in global diplomacy, despite its exclusion from the G7 gathering.
The development comes as foreign ministers from the Group of Seven nations meet near Paris, where efforts are underway to ease tensions with the United States over the ongoing Middle East conflict.
European countries are seen as particularly vulnerable to a prolonged war, given their reliance on energy supplies that pass through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas shipments.