South Africa to continue US trade negotiations despite G20 boycott says Tau
Minister of Trade and Industry Parks Tau has expressed cautious optimism over ongoing trade negotiations with the United States
Image: File
Minister of Trade and Industry Parks Tau has expressed cautious optimism over ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, despite growing tensions between the two countries.
South Africa is currently locked in high-stakes trade discussions with the Trump administration and had previously reported that negotiations were advancing under a condition precedent framework, a preliminary agreement outlining the necessary steps before a full trade deal can be finalised.
"We have not signed any substantive agreement yet. The document signed was a precedent condition document," Ministerial spokesperson Kaamil Alli said earlier this year.
"This is a precursor to the finalising of the negotiations, which are ongoing".
However, tensions escalated even further last week with the US making good on its threat to boycott the G20 summit. The US government has also revoked the former International Relations , Naledi Pandor's Visa.
The US government also attempted to send a junior embassy official to receive the G20 presidency gavel from President Cyril Ramaphosa, a move South Africa rejected as a breach of diplomatic protocol.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the summit, Tau said South Africa remains committed to ongoing dialogue with the US, while continuing to engage with other international partners through multilateral forums like the G20.
"The reality is that the US made a decision not to come to this country. I do accept that as part of the reality, the choice that the US made. We’re still engaging with the US Government from a trade point of view.” Tau said.
Tau also touched on the importance of multilateral engagement and the broader significance of international negotiations.
"On the reaffirmation of multilateralism, the mechanisms are established by the country. On a cumulative level, when you get to a declaration, it’s a tough, intense negotiation to get to the outcome."
IOL
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za