File: US President Donald Trump welcomes South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to the White House in Washington, DC.
WASHINGTON - The US has denied putting pressure on France to withdraw South Africa’s G7 invitation.
France says the decision was a strategic choice and not influenced by outside pressure.
The French opted to invite Kenya due to its role as hosts of the Africa-France summit scheduled for May in Nairobi.
France's Foreign Affairs Ministry insists the decision was not influenced by external pressure, and that South Africa remains a key partner in global diplomacy.
G7 foreign ministers meeting near Paris are working to bridge divisions with the United States over the ongoing Middle East war.
Europe has the most to lose in a protracted war, with much of their oil and gas imports coming through the Strait of Hormuz.