Ahead of the planned diplomatic engagement between US President Donald Trump and President Cyril Ramaphosa, Minister of Agriculture and Government of National Unity (GNU) coalition partner Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen said his priority will be to secure trade relations between the US and South Africa.

Steenhuisen, International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau will accompany Ramaphosa on Monday.

Ramaphosa will meet with Trump at the White House, in Washington DC on Wednesday, to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of interest, following strained relations between both countries, largely owing to unsubstantiated allegations of genocide against and land confiscation from white communities in South Africa.

Steenhuisen said his focus will be agriculture, job protection, growing the economy and expanding employment opportunities.

Steenhuisen pointed out that South Africa's relationship with the US was one of immense importance, noting that preferential trade agreements such as African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) contributed significantly to the country’s economy.

“Losing these benefits would be disastrous for farmers, farm workers and the economy at large. Relationships between countries are never simple. We cannot pretend that we are not facing unique challenges in our country. This delegation to Washington DC represents all South Africans, who have entrusted us to put the shared national interests, and desire for economic growth and job creation first, ahead of any party, or ideological positions,” he highlighted.

He said as a member of the GNU delegation, he would endeavour to ensure every effort was made to mend and improve relations between the US and South Africa.

“There is a renewed hope among South Africans, thanks to the formation of the GNU, and we dare not fail them on our mission to increase economic growth, and job opportunities for all South Africans,” he said.

Meanwhile, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) called for the resumption of a Binational Commission, noting that this would ensure a “credible and forward-looking path” for South Africa and the US.

UDM president Bantu Holomisa argued that a renewed Binational Commission could serve as a meaningful platform to address the current misunderstandings and to create space for practical cooperation.