LOOK: Ramaphosa arrives in US ahead of White House sit-down with Donald Trump
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.
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.
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA ARRIVES IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FOR WORKING VISIT
President @CyrilRamaphosa has this afternoon, Monday 19 May 2025 arrived in Washington DC for his working visit.
The purpose of the visit is to reset and revitalise bilateral relations between South… pic.twitter.com/XenuyrHhWi
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) May 19, 2025
🇿🇦His Excellency President @CyrilRamaphosa has just landed at the Andrews Airforce Base in Washington DC, United States of America, where he is on a working visit on invitation of His Excellency President @realDonaldTrump
The President will meet President Donald Trump this… pic.twitter.com/Y1TtcW5LwN
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) May 19, 2025
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
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