US ambassador reiterated apology Russia arms claims - ANC
The African National Congress (ANC) says US Ambassador to South Africa Reuben Brigety reiterated his apology over his allegations that South Africa covertly sent arms to Russia.
Brigety held a meeting with the ANC secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula at Luthuli House on Wednesday following allegations that South Africa provided weapons and ammunition to Russia through a Russian ship that docked at Simon's Town naval base in Cape Town in December last year.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) also confirmed that Brigety apologised for crossing the line with his comments.
In a statement released on Wednesday, ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said the ambassador reiterated his apology.
"Whilst the meeting was cordial the Secretary-General firmly reiterated the centrality of the ANC’s approach to international relations,” says Bhengu-Motsiri.
“Since its formation, the ANC’s political, economic, and ideological ethos has been progressive Internationalism, Pan-Africanism, and international and continental solidarity."
Bhengu-Motsiri says the meeting also discussed the importance of the relationship between the people of South Africa and the people of the United States of America.
"Whilst there may points of divergence, on certain points we remain committed to diplomatic engagements to resolve challenges on our shared interests,” she says.
The meeting agreed to a follow-up bilateral meeting with the ANC’s NEC Subcommittee on international relations.
“The ANC will continue engaging with members of the diplomatic corps, as we believe that through dialogue, we can bring resolution to our collective challenges," says Bhengu-Motsiri.
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