South Africa’s ambassador to the United States says he remains optimistic about improving relations between the two countries despite growing diplomatic tensions. The ambassador, veteran politician Roelf Meyer, said on Monday that direct dialogue between Washington and Pretoria could help break the deadlock. 

Meyer expressed hope that both countries would begin talks that could eventually lead to meaningful dialogue and negotiations. He previously served as chief negotiator for South Africa’s white-minority government during negotiations that paved the way for the end of apartheid. 

Meyer was appointed ambassador to Washington in April, nearly a year after the previous South African envoy was expelled amid worsening relations between the two countries. The diplomatic rift has been fuelled by disagreements over race, trade and foreign policy. 

United States President Donald Trump has made disputed claims of a so-called genocide against South Africa’s Afrikaner minority, allegations that have been rejected. Washington also introduced a programme last year to resettle white Afrikaners who claim to have faced persecution in South Africa. 

Other measures by the Trump administration include cuts to aid, the imposition of tariffs and the President’s boycott of the Johannesburg G20 summit in 2025.