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US Ambassador apologises to SA and its people
US Ambassador Reuben Brigety apologises after being summoned and reaffirms his will to strengthen the partnership between South Africa and the US.
* Editor's note: This article is updated each time new information becomes available.
PRETORIA - US Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety, has apologised to Pretoria after accusing the country of selling weapons to Russia.
Brigety was summoned to a Friday afternoon meeting with International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor.
In a tweet, Brigety said he was grateful for the opportunity to speak with Pandor.
I was grateful for the opportunity to speak with Foreign Minister Pandor this evening and correct any misimpressions left by my public remarks. In our conversation, I re-affirmed the strong partnership between our two countries & the important agenda our Presidents have given us.
— Ambassador Reuben Brigety (@USAmbRSA) May 12, 2023
DIRCO says Brigety admitted that he crossed the line by failing to follow set diplomatic channels to communicate his country's concerns.
It adds that South Africa is known for having one of the most stringent processes when selling arms to other countries.
On Saturday, President Cyril Ramaphosa's special envoys, led by Sydney Mufamadi, will brief the media on their recent tour to the US.