Paul Nyathi

U.S. President Elect Joe Biden has called South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. According to the official statement released by President Ramaphosa’s office, the pair discussed the following topics:

• Taxi drivers strike over COVID-19 relief fund
• Overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Strengthening ties between the US and Africa, advancing ‘multilateralism’ in the process.
• Biden’s previous visits to South Africa, including the times he protested against apartheid.
• The President-Elect also spoke about his ‘deep admiration’ of SA’s successful struggle to overcome the apartheid regime.
• The call ended with Ramaphosa passing on his best wishes to Biden and Vice-President Elect Kamala Harris.

Below is the full statement by President Ramaphosa’s office.

President Ramaphosa had a call with US President-Elect Joe Biden on Tuesday evening, 17 November 2020, during which the leaders discussed ways to strengthen US-Africa relations and overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. Biden has identified Africa as a major player in international affairs and in the advancement of multilateralism.”

“The leaders recalled a visit to South Africa by President-Elect Biden during the dark days of apartheid, where Mr. Biden demonstrated his commitment to human rights and dignity for all South Africans. President-Elect Biden also expressed his admiration for what democratic South Africa has achieved.”

“President Ramaphosa said he looked forward to a strong partnership between the United States and the continent of Africa. The President wished President-Elect Biden and Vice-President-Elect Kamala Harris well for their term in office.”