South African delegation off to US to clarify Ukraine position

A South African government delegation has left for the US to clarify its position on the situation in Ukraine.

The delegation was headed by the South African president's security adviser, Sydney Mufamadi. It included South Africa's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Alvin Botes and Foreign Affairs Director General Zane Dangor, Gazeta.Ru reports, citing the South African newspaper The Sunday Times.

As part of their trip to the US, members of the delegation will meet with representatives of the White House. The main purpose of the trip is to oppose plans to remove South Africa from the list of countries benefiting from economic and trade advantages under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

It is noted that lobbyists in the US Congress are seeking South Africa's exclusion from the AGOA because of the country's position on Ukraine.