President Ramaphosa to Hold Strategic Talks with Former US President Donald Trump During G7 Leaders’ Summit in Canada
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed he will hold a second meeting with former United States President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit in Canada. This encounter is part of a broader diplomatic mission aimed at reinforcing South Africa’s global ties as the country prepares to host the G20 Summit later this year.
Speaking during a community visit to Sefako Makgatho Primary School in Saulsville, Pretoria, Ramaphosa addressed members of the press, confirming that South Africa had been officially invited by Canada—the current G7 chair—to participate in the high-level talks scheduled for 14–17 June.
Strengthening Global Partnerships
Ramaphosa emphasised that South Africa’s attendance at the G7 Summit presents a timely opportunity to engage in critical diplomatic conversations, particularly as the country assumes a more pronounced role on the world stage.
“Yes, we are going to the G7. We’ve been invited by Canada, who are the conveners this time around. I’m hoping that when we meet the various leaders, we’ll be able to interact meaningfully,” he said.
Among the key bilateral meetings confirmed are discussions with the German Chancellor, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and former US President Donald Trump.
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The Trump-Ramaphosa Dynamic
This marks the second in-person interaction between Ramaphosa and Trump. Their first encounter occurred during a high-profile visit to the White House in Washington, D.C. Despite early scepticism from critics, Ramaphosa insisted that the initial meeting was a strategic diplomatic manoeuvre designed to reset relations with the US—a crucial economic partner for South Africa.
“We were not summoned,” Ramaphosa clarified. “In my telephone conversation with President Trump two weeks earlier, I said, I want to come and see you. And he immediately conceded.”
This upcoming meeting, expected to be equally significant, comes as South Africa positions itself to influence outcomes at the November G20 Summit. Ramaphosa reiterated the importance of having the US fully involved in G20 discussions, stating that the summit would be less effective without their participation.
South Africa’s Global Vision
The President’s remarks suggest a clear intent to use the G7 platform not only to promote the G20 agenda but to advance South Africa’s broader geopolitical strategy. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, alongside the Department of International Relations, are already engaged in dialogues with their American counterparts.
“We’ve opened the way to engage seriously with the United States… We are a country that is exposed and has relations with many countries around the world. Where there are challenges, we take action to correct them,” Ramaphosa said.
The meeting with Trump will likely include talks on trade, international cooperation, and geopolitical alignment, especially in light of past tensions, including Trump’s controversial stance on South African land reform and migration issues.
Looking Ahead to November’s G20
This diplomatic push underscores Ramaphosa’s leadership style: proactive, inclusive, and anchored in global engagement. As South Africa prepares to host the G20 Summit in November, its interactions at the G7 could set the tone for international cooperation and South Africa’s influence in shaping the global agenda.
Ramaphosa’s decision to engage with leaders across multiple continents—from Europe to the Middle East and Asia—signals a multipolar approach that prioritises diversified alliances in an increasingly turbulent world order.
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