Ramaphosa downplays reports of his invitation being withdrawn, emphasizing South Africa's non-member status amid tensions with the U.S.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed reports of his exclusion from the G7 summit, stating that it should surprise no one since South Africa is not part of the group.
Ramaphosa clarified that South Africa has attended some G7 summits as guests in the past but is not obligated to be invited to all, according to his information shared in recent statements.
France's Invitation Decisions
France, hosting the G7 summit in June, announced invitations to leaders from South Korea, India, Brazil, and Kenya as part of efforts to address global economic imbalances, while denying any external pressure.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed that the choice to invite Kenya was linked to upcoming France-Africa summit preparations and was not influenced by other nations.
A South African official initially claimed the invitation was withdrawn due to U.S. pressure, but Ramaphosa later contradicted this, saying no such pressure was evident.
Relations between the U.S. and South Africa have worsened under U.S. President Donald Trump, with disputes over trade, diplomacy, and South Africa's domestic policies.
Trump has criticized South Africa's government on issues like land reform and minority protections, while South Africa has opposed U.S. tariffs and refugee policies favoring white Afrikaners.
South Africa's presidency spokesperson noted that efforts to reset ties with the U.S. are ongoing and that relations with France remain strong despite the invitation change.
