Washington D.C.: President Cyril Ramaphosa has described his bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump as ‘robust and fruitful’, signalling a new chapter of engagement between South Africa and the United States, particularly in trade and investment. Speaking to South African media upon the conclusion of his Working Visit to the U.S. capital, Washington D.C., President Ramaphosa said the two leaders had an ‘in-depth and positive exchange’, not only on lighter matters such as golf, but critically on economic cooperation and mutual concerns.

According to South African Government News Agency, a major outcome of the meeting was a renewed commitment to sustained engagement between the two nations, especially at the trade and industry level. President Ramaphosa stressed that discussions will continue on several key matters, including investment flows, tariff structures, and access to the U.S. market through frameworks such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

President Ramaphosa said the bila
teral dialogue was an opportunity to clarify concerns and address misconceptions. He conveyed that President Trump’s primary concern is about the safety of the people of South Africa, which was addressed during the discussions. The dialogue also focused on the broader issues of criminality affecting various areas in South Africa, not limited to rural farms.

Trade and investment were focal points of the conversation, with President Ramaphosa urging for increased foreign direct investment from the United States. He highlighted the existing vital role of U.S. companies in the South African economy and noted recent American investments as positive indicators.

The G20 Summit was also part of the discussions, with President Ramaphosa inviting President Trump to attend the upcoming summit in South Africa. He emphasized the importance of U.S. participation in global multilateral cooperation and expressed his hope to hand over the G20 Presidency to President Trump in person.

Reflecting on the overall visit, Preside
nt Ramaphosa described the meeting as a ‘great success,’ fulfilling South Africa’s key objectives of re-engagement with the U.S. and ensuring continued dialogue on investment and trade. The meeting at the Oval Office was attended by senior U.S. and South African officials, including several Cabinet Ministers and notable business figures from both countries.

Back home, President Ramaphosa was widely praised for maintaining his composure during the meeting, which many South Africans had anticipated might be tense. The President was accompanied by a high-profile delegation, while President Trump was supported by key U.S. officials and advisors.