Ramaphosa Calls US Midterm Results New Era for Relations

President Cyril Ramaphosa stated on Wednesday that the United States midterm election results, which saw Democrats take control of the House and Senate, will usher in a new era in world relations. Ramaphosa characterized the results as a scathing rebuke to President Donald Trump.

Relations between the two nations have reached a low point after the Trump administration ended South Africa's duty-free access to the US market and suspended the country from the African Growth and Opportunity Act trade initiative, effective January. These measures followed previous cuts to financial aid and the expulsion of South Africa's former ambassador to Washington. President Trump targeted South Africa over alleged persecution of white people, a claim South Africa describes as a false narrative.

In response to the trade restrictions, Ramaphosa noted that South Africa is prioritizing the diversification of export markets. He also indicated that the country intends to negotiate a bilateral trade agreement with the United States.