JOHANNESBURG: Senior South African diplomats have met their US counterparts in Washington to clarify “misconceptions” that have soured relations since President Donald Trump took office, South Africa’s government said on Tuesday.
The meetings were intended to explain South African policies so the Trump administration “positions itself as a strategic partner,” the foreign ministry said.
The new US government has torn into various South African policies, culminating in the expulsion of Pretoria’s ambassador Ebrahim Rasool last month.
Trump has also cut financial aid over what he alleged was an anti-white land policy and offered refugee settlement to the white Afrikaner minority that he has claimed is being persecuted.
“The delegation clarified key issues and misconceptions,” the ministry said in a statement.
“We believe that these dialogues will assist to refine the current administration’s understanding of South Africa’s position on critical matters, fostering a more nuanced perspective.”
The aim was for the Trump administration to position “itself as a strategic partner in a manner that avoids conflagration of our national interests against those of our strategic partners across the world.”
The South African officials addressed “misconceptions on what has been presented by some as race laws designed to undermine minority rights,” the statement said.
This included explaining a new Expropriation Act to show that it was not designed to facilitate unlawful land seizures, as alleged.
Trump’s right-hand man is South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, who has in the past echoed far-right conspiracy theories about a “white genocide” in the country.
The South African delegation also briefed the UN General Assembly on the country’s ambitions for its presidency this year of the G20 group of leading economies which carries the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” the statement said.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio refused to attend the first G20 foreign ministers meeting in February, saying it had an “anti-American” agenda.
The General Assembly “overwhelmingly endorsed the priorities and theme of the South African G20 Presidency,” the statement added.
The United States is South Africa’s second-biggest trading partner and Pretoria is anxious to preserve this exchange.
Other disagreements between the two are over some of South Africa’s foreign policies, including its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice over the war in Gaza.
South African diplomats meet US counterparts over ‘misconceptions’
https://arab.news/jh43a
South African diplomats meet US counterparts over ‘misconceptions’
- Trump has also cut financial aid over what he alleged was an anti-white land policy and offered refugee settlement to the white Afrikaner minority
- Trump’s right-hand man is South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, who has in the past echoed far-right conspiracy theories about a ‘white genocide’
UK cyclists to ride from Makkah to Madinah to fundraise for children in Africa
- H&K Cycle Club to travel through Hejaz region for fifth successive year, aim to raise £1m
- ‘Every kilometer we ride is fueled by the strength of the children we ride for,’ says head of club
LONDON: A cycling team from London will undertake a journey of 550 km from Makkah to Madinah in Saudi Arabia later this month to raise funds for children in Africa with congenital heart defects.
The H&K Cycle Club will take on the challenge through the Hejaz region for the fifth successive year, aiming to raise £1 million (SR5 million) after raising over £750,000 for lifesaving surgeries last year.
Shamsul Abdin, the head of the H&K Cycle Club, said: “Every kilometer we ride is fueled by the strength of the children we ride for. Their courage inspires us to push through the most punishing moments.”
Abdin was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in December for his contribution to charitable fundraising.
He added: “This fifth anniversary ride is more than a milestone: it’s a celebration of hope, perseverance, and the lives we’ve been able to save together.”
The cyclists expect to face scorching heat, brutal headwinds, dangerous highways and physical exhaustion. For many riders, this will be their fifth ride in Hejaz, Abdin said.
Funds raised will support Muntada Aid’s Little Hearts project, which provides free, lifesaving surgeries for children across Africa. The project has helped nearly 3,500 children in 15 countries since its inception in 2012.
Kabir Miah, programs manager at Muntada Aid, said: “Every pound raised gives a child the chance to live a long and healthy life.”
