Govt confident it can solve impasse with US following bill calling for review of relations
The bill was introduced to Congress earlier this year, following the International Court of Justice’s ruling on the Gaza matter.
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau. Picture: Instagram
JOHANNESBURG - The government says it is confident it can solve the impasse with the United States (US) after America’s Congress passed a motion to review its relationship with South Africa.
The bill was introduced to Congress earlier this year, following the International Court of Justice’s ruling on the Gaza matter.
The court found it plausible Israel committed acts of genocide in Gaza. This case was brought to the international court by the South African government.
While the bill is yet to reach the USA’s highest house, the Senate, there are already worries from the business community over what this could mean.
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau said a delegation was travelling to the US in two weeks for an African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) summit, where it would hold bilateral talks with its international counterparts.
“We intend to engage both senators but also members of Congress in discussion about what our positions are on a whole range of issues as the South African government, at the back of of course the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act but also taking into account bilateral relations.
"I am convinced based on the updates I have received so far that we will be able to articulate our positions as a country but also to build on the historic engagements that have been. I have been assured there have been cordial engagements between the South African government and the USA government including the legislatures.”