The Head of Diplomacy, Clayson Monyela, said that relations between South Africa and the United States of America (USA) are strategic and too important.
This comes after the US Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety, apologized to the government and people of South Africa for the accusation he made.
US AMBASSADOR ACCUSES SA OF GIVING ARMS TO RUSSIA
Brigety accused South Africa of arming Russia.
It alleged that the weapons were supplied to Russia when a sanctioned ship, Lady R, docked at the Simon’s Town naval base between December 6 and 8, 2022.
The government denied the claims and summoned Brigety to a meeting to get some explanation.
READ ALSO: US ambassador says he “crossed the line”
DIRCO SOSTÉN MEETING WITH THE AMBASSADOR
In a tweet, Monyela detailed what was discussed in a meeting held between the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (dirco) and Brigit.
Monyela said Brigety was told the government’s National Committee for Conventional Arms Control has no record of approving any arms sales to Russia.
Additionally, Brigety was asked to provide evidence for the allegations he made. He didn’t have any.
READ ALSO: VIDEO: Malema Calls US Accusations Against SA ‘Unfounded’
AN INVESTIGATION WILL BE ESTABLISHED TO INVESTIGATE THE ALLEGATIONS
He will be given another chance to present evidence in the inquiry that has been set up by President Ramaphosa to investigate the allegations.
The Ambassador apologized to the Government and people of South Africa, admitting that he crossed the line.
READ ALSO: Rand takes a hit after US accuses SA of arming Russia
SA SAYS IT IS COMMITTED TO CONTINUE WORKING WITH THE US.
Monyela said Brigety’s apology is welcome and not in dispute.
“We reaffirm our commitment to continue working to enhance cordial, solid and mutually beneficial relations between the two countries,” said Monyela.
READ ALSO: Retired judge to lead probe into whether SA supplied weapons to Russia
So, let’s fill in some gaps and close this issue. @USAmRSA and we are eager to move on. The relations between our two countries are strategic and too important.
1. At our meeting we remind Ambassador Brigety that the government’s National Committee for the Control of Conventional Arms is…— Clayson Monyela (@ClaysonMonyela) May 13, 2023
READ ALSO: Did South Africa provide weapons to Russia? America thinks so