Ramaphosa upbeat ahead of Trump talks
President Cyril Ramaphosa says he's feeling positive ahead of his high stakes meeting with US leader. Donald Trump.
“We hope to have really good discussions with president Trump and his colleagues,” he told the media in Washington on Tuesday.
The face-to-face talks in the Oval Office on Wednesday evening come amid ongoing tensions over trade, South Africa's land reform policy, US HIV funding cuts, and the false white genocide narrative.
Ramaphosa will be accompanied by four ministers - including Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen.
“I'm looking forward to a good and positive meeting and we are looking forward to a good outcome for our country and people, for jobs and good trade relations,” Ramaphosa added.
READ: SA–US ‘reset’ as Ramaphosa meets Trump
The United States is South Africa's second-largest trading partner, behind China.
Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lomola admitted that it's a crucial meeting.
“The tariffs, as we have already said, have nullified, technically AGOA because the impact on what was the preferential treatment of a South African product.
“So that's why it is very important that this engagement does take place to reset that bilateral relations to redefine the trade parameters between the two countries in a manner that still respects and values the Africa free trade area."
