President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed South Africa’s dedication to international diplomacy, framing the upcoming G7 Leaders’ Summit as a strategic opportunity to strengthen global partnerships and assert the country’s leadership role within the G20.
During a visit to Sefako Makgatho Primary School in Saulsville, Pretoria, the President confirmed South Africa’s official invitation to attend the summit, which is being hosted by Canada as this year’s G7 chair.
Ramaphosa noted that the summit would not only provide a platform for multilateral dialogue but also allow for several significant bilateral engagements. On the sidelines of the G7, he is expected to meet with leaders such as the Chancellor of Germany, Canada’s Prime Minister, and U.S. President Donald Trump. These meetings are aimed at reinforcing diplomatic ties and advancing South Africa’s priorities on the international stage.
He indicated that the G7 would serve as a critical space to promote South Africa’s G20 presidency, particularly ahead of the leaders’ summit scheduled to take place in the country in November. Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of using this opportunity to begin shaping meaningful outcomes for the G20 gathering later this year.
The President will travel to Canada for the summit from 14 to 17 June.
Resetting US-South Africa Relations
Reflecting on his recent visit to the White House in Washington DC, Ramaphosa positioned the trip as a deliberate step to revitalise relations with the United States, a key economic partner. He pushed back against criticism suggesting the visit was uninvited or forced, clarifying that it was initiated through a direct conversation with President Trump, where he requested the meeting. This, he explained, was part of a broader strategy to engage constructively with the US on matters of mutual interest.
The visit, according to Ramaphosa, opened doors for deeper cooperation, especially in trade. He noted that relevant departments, including Trade and Industry as well as International Relations, were already working on follow-up engagements with their American counterparts.
In addition to trade discussions, the meeting with President Trump also sought to stress the importance of US participation in the upcoming G20 Summit in South Africa. Ramaphosa reported that Trump acknowledged the G20’s limited effectiveness without active US involvement.
Positioning the trip within a larger foreign policy strategy, Ramaphosa underscored the need for South Africa to strengthen its diplomatic footprint amid a shifting global landscape. He indicated that the government intends to pursue similar engagements with countries across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe to ensure South Africa remains an active and responsive player on the world stage.
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