President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa arrived in the United States on Monday in anticipation of a meeting with President Donald Trump scheduled for Wednesday.
This state visit occurs during a period of significantly strained relations between South Africa and Washington, the lowest in decades.
Ramaphosa aims to rejuvenate and enhance the bilateral relationship, especially in terms of trade. Since taking office, Trump has eliminated all financial assistance to South Africa, removed its ambassador, and made unfounded allegations of genocide against white Afrikaners by the government.
Recently, the US accepted 59 white South Africans as refugees, who assert they faced persecution in their homeland.
The South African presidency has indicated that Ramaphosa will engage with Trump on various bilateral, regional, and global matters of mutual interest.
He is joined by several officials, including Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, who also leads the Democratic Alliance, the second-largest party in the national unity government.
During his visit to Washington, Ramaphosa is also expected to explore business prospects for South African-born Elon Musk, a close ally and advisor to Trump.
