Ambassador optimistic about US-SA relationship
The US Ambassador to South Africa, Patrick Gaspard has shared his thoughts on the recent US elections with South African business leaders in Johannesburg.
This comes after concerns regarding South Africa's economic relationship with the United States of America, following Donald Trump's election as president.
"It was a particularly unique election unlike any other I have ever seen," Gaspard told business leaders at Gibs in Johannesburg.
Gaspard said he understands that people are unsure after the elections, but remains optimistic that the close ties between the two countries will prevail.
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"I am optimistic that the new administration will value South Africa as the United States of America have always done," Gaspard said.
He added that the 2016 election was not so much policy-based, but rather largely personality-driven with Donald Trump driving a radical election campaign.
"The election was more personality driven and I think there was a rough and tumble aspect to this one not much different than that of reality TV," he said.
Gaspard conceded that in any election there is a winner and there is a loser and that outgoing president, Barack Obama would cooperate in handing over power to Donald Trump.
"Frankly I am curious too. as to what the future of the US will hold," he said.