JOHANNESBURG, Sept. 22 (Xinhua/GNA) – South Africa remains prepared to engage with the United States, to resolve challenges in bilateral relations, while safeguarding its sovereignty and dignity, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has said.
Ramaphosa made the remarks on Monday on the side-lines of a fundraising event in Johannesburg, following Washington’s announcement of new visa restrictions targeting certain South Africans.
“We have noted what Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced about restrictions on certain individuals. They have not named them,” Ramaphosa said.
He stressed that South Africa would continue to safeguard its sovereignty, while remaining willing and prepared to engage with the United States, as it does with other countries around the world.
South Africa would approach such engagements with dignity and sovereignty, treating other countries with respect and expecting the same in return, Ramaphosa said.
Ramaphosa noted that the United States remains an important market for South Africa and said, the two countries have mutual trade interests, and would continue engaging to find solutions and address issues raised.
U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, on Sept. 15 announced a new policy to impose visa restrictions on South African officials, alleged to be involved in “race-based discrimination.”
The next day, South Africa rejected the move, saying it mischaracterized the country’s domestic policies, and undermined efforts to resolve bilateral differences through diplomatic engagement.
GNA