Ramaphosa in Canada for G7 Summit, Champions African Representation
Natalie Nyathi
President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in Canada ahead of the G7 Summit, which is set to kick off in Kananaskis. His visit aims to rally global support for African states seeking greater representation among the world’s superpowers. Ramaphosa’s attendance at the summit underscores South Africa’s commitment to engaging with major economies on critical global issues.
High Commissioner Rieaz ‘Moe’ Shaik welcomed Ramaphosa in Calgary, marking the beginning of a significant diplomatic engagement. Since becoming president in 2018, Ramaphosa has participated in every G7 Summit as a guest, with the exception of the 2023 meeting in Japan. This year’s agenda will focus heavily on energy security, a priority for many nations grappling with energy challenges.
One of Ramaphosa’s initial engagements will be his participation in the G7 Summit outreach session. This session is designed to strengthen unity among G7 members while including other countries in discussions on pressing global issues. Ramaphosa is expected to leverage this platform to discuss mutual interests in bilateral relations and multilateral cooperation, particularly as South Africa prepares for its G20 presidency in November.
In a recent statement, Ramaphosa highlighted that the G7 agenda resonates with South Africa’s national interests and priorities for the upcoming G20 Summit. He aims to engage with various leaders to advance shared priorities, including energy security, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and wildfire management.
Earlier, Ramaphosa had a successful bilateral meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, where they discussed global peace, security, and trade. Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola accompanies Ramaphosa as part of his delegation, underscoring the importance of this international engagement.
As the G7 Summit unfolds, Ramaphosa’s focus will be on advocating for Africa’s role in global discussions, emphasizing the need for inclusive dialogue that addresses the challenges faced by developing nations. His participation not only reinforces South Africa’s position on the global stage but also seeks to ensure that African voices are heard in the corridors of power.