DIRCO: US-SA relations 'back on track'
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) says it will never allow the alleged comments by President Donald Trump to hurt relations with the US.
DIRCO had called a meeting with the United States Embassy and United States Chargé d'Affaires on Monday to express South Africa's concerns over Trump's alleged comments.
According to The Washington Post, Trump said, "Why are we having all these people from sh*thole countries come here?"
Trump has since rejected the reports that he used crude language.
DIRCO's Clayson Monyela says South Africa is satisfied with the outcomes of the meeting.
ALSO READ: ANC slams Trump comments
"We took heart and were encourage by the response from the US Embassy that affirmed the commitment to the relationship with South African and the continent, and the mutual respect and the dedication to nurture this partnership based on mutual respect and shared values."
Monyela believes too much is at stake to allow Trump's comments to cast a shadow over South Africa's diplomatic relations with America.
ALSO READ: Trump rejects using crude slur on African countries
"Politically, socially and in terms of trading and investment we will continue to forge ahead because we have good relations and we will never allow anything like this to side track and defocus us from pursuing those goals."
Monyela says the department still wants an apology from Trump.