President Cyril Ramaphosa says he remains unshaken by US President Donald Trump’s recent comments and conduct toward South Africa, insisting the country continues to pursue respectful and constructive international relations.
Trump this week declared that South Africa would not be invited to the upcoming G20 Sherpa meeting. He also snubbed last month’s G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, reiterating unfounded claims of “genocide” against white Afrikaners.
Speaking to SABC News on Thursday, Ramaphosa said Trump’s statements do not trouble him, adding that the US president is “misled in everything he says.”
“I have no sleepless nights,” he said. “All we want, as South Africa, is to be treated as an equal sovereign nation one that respects others and supports the progress and prosperity of all countries.”
Ramaphosa stressed that South Africa holds no hostility toward any nation.
“We have no enemies; we only have friends,” he added. “We will continue to engage the world with respect, consideration and a commitment to strengthening global friendships.”
His remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic tensions, as government officials work to manage the fallout from Trump’s repeated statements on South Africa.