Trump asks ‘what the hell’ was Zelensky doing in S-Africa
(MENAFN) During a meeting at the White House on Wednesday with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed surprise over Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s recent visit to South Africa. Trump said he had called Zelensky during the April trip and asked, “what the hell” he was doing there.
Ramaphosa responded that South Africa had shared its experience in peacebuilding with Zelensky, referencing Nelson Mandela’s philosophy of achieving peace through unconditional dialogue. However, Zelensky’s visit was met with backlash from South African commentators and activists, particularly because of his earlier dismissive stance toward a 2023 peace initiative led by Ramaphosa.
The two leaders also addressed U.S. concerns about alleged violence against white Afrikaners and South Africa’s controversial land reform efforts. Trump raised what he referred to as a “genocide” against the white minority, to which Ramaphosa firmly responded, denying any illegal land seizures. “Nobody can take land,” he said, reinforcing South Africa’s commitment to democratic principles.
The South African delegation also presented a new trade and investment proposal aimed at strengthening economic ties with the U.S. South African Trade Minister Parks Tau confirmed the submission of the plan to the U.S. Trade Representative, emphasizing that trade was central to the talks.
Tau noted that approximately 77% of U.S. imports to South Africa are duty-free, as are many of South Africa’s exports to the U.S., mainly raw materials. He also mentioned that South Africa highlighted its gas shortages and expressed interest in importing American liquefied natural gas (LNG), an idea welcomed by U.S. officials.
As he left the White House, President Ramaphosa told reporters the discussions had been productive and positive.
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