President Donald Trump’s message to South Africa
United States President Donald Trump wants South Africa to once again become non-aligned and strengthen trade relations between the two countries.
This was the message from the United States Ambassador to South Africa, Leo Brent Bozell III, who spoke at the Biznews Conference in Hermanus.
“I have spoken to President Donald Trump. He had a simple request: ‘I want South Africa to become non-aligned again’,” he said. “This is not too much to ask.”
He said the Trump Administration values its relationship with South Africa and considers it among the Top 10 countries in terms of importance.
Bozell added that he came to South Africa with a positive tone to lower the temperature of the deteriorating relationship between the two countries.
“I will continue to move in that direction and look for partners in the government, because we have them,” he said.
However, recent statements and actions by South Africa continued to sour he relationship between the two countries.
“The statements from the government and the things which have happened over the past week are not helpful,” he said.
“Insulting President Donald Trump on the eve of coming to our country is not a good sign. It is not at all helpful.”
He added that sending condolences letters to Iran about one of the world’s biggest terrorists being taken down is also not a good sign.
Bozell said there will be tough discussions ahead regarding these issues, but he is hopeful of a positive outcome.
“Hopefully, South Africa will understand that it should not align itself with international pariahs like Iran,” he said.
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