Ramaphosa Addresses South Africa's Absence from G7 Summit

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has downplayed reports that his invitation to the forthcoming G7 summit in France has been withdrawn, stating that the absence of a country not part of the bloc should surprise no one.

Reports have surfaced alleging that the US pressured France to rescind Ramaphosa's invitation to the summit scheduled for June, with claims that President Trump threatened to boycott if the South African leader attended.

Ramaphosa remarked, The invitation to the G7 does not mean that you're being snubbed if you're not invited or you're being ignored. France, meanwhile, has denied any pressure from the US, affirming its decision to invite Kenya for the summit instead.

The French presidency has stated that inviting countries like South Korea, India, Brazil, and Kenya is part of an effort to address global economic imbalances.

While initial reports suggested US influence in the decision, Ramaphosa expressed that he had received no such information, reinforcing that many countries do not receive G7 invitations. He emphasized that South Africa's historical participation at G7 summits was usually as an invited guest.

Relations between South Africa and the US have soured since Trump took office, with disputes over trade and diplomacy marking the relationship amidst ongoing claims that have stirred tensions related to South Africa's policies.

The South African government maintains that relations with France are strong, stating that any withdrawal of the G7 invitation will not affect diplomatic ties.