Africa’s largest economy moves to settle rift with world’s largest economy 17 months

South Africa is actively seeking direct diplomatic negotiations with the U.S. to resolve a growing diplomatic stalemate and protect its vital trade access. President Donald Trump publicly confronted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa over controversial claims regarding white farmers.

Relations between the two nations have remained heavily strained for nearly a year and a half, following a contentious White House meeting where U.S.