South Africa Will Continue Talks with the U.S. Despite New Visa Restrictions

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has said that South Africa will continue dialogue with the United States despite new visa restrictions imposed by Washington, adding that Pretoria will protect its sovereignty and dignity during the negotiations.  U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced targeted restrictions last week against foreign individuals whom Washington considers responsible for or supportive of policies involving the uncompensated seizure of land, racial discrimination and incitement of violence against minority groups in South Africa. No individuals were named when the policy was announced.  Ramaphosa spoke to reporters on Monday on the sidelines of a fundraising golf event organized by the ANC Veterans League at the Johannesburg Country Club. He said the government had taken note of the restrictions but remained prepared to continue talks with Washington.

“We are ready and willing to continue engaging with the United States in exactly the same way as we engage with all other countries around the world,” he said. Ramaphosa further said that wherever difficulties arise, South Africa would engage with other countries while maintaining its dignity and sovereignty, without “bowing down,” and would treat other nations with respect while expecting the same respect in return.  The president said the United States remains an important market for South Africa and that both countries need products from each other. He said South Africa and the United States had been discussing trade and tariff issues for some time.

The United States had also risen what it called “five issues,” several of which South Africa has already responded to.  Asked what had happened to the negotiations following the latest announcement, Ramaphosa said he could not explain what had prompted the move.  “I really don’t know what happened. Only they can explain what actually happened,” he said.  Ramaphosa said South Africa remained willing to negotiate with the United States to resolve difficulties in bilateral relations. “We trade with the United States, and there are certain goods that they need from us and that we need from them,” he said. “That creates a situation of balance, and when we engage with each other as states that respect one another, a solution will emerge.”