POLITICS LIVE: Trump will call Zuma today. This is what he should say
'Whatever he might think of Trump's awkward, sometimes vile, politics, the US is a major economic partner and South Africa needs trade and investment'
US President Donald Trump is going to call President Jacob Zuma later today, his office has confirmed in a statement reading: "The Presidency confirms a request from the White House for a telecon between President Zuma and President Trump this afternoon‚ 13/2/17". Here's the tweet, which as far as I can make out is the genuine article: So, what should Zuma say? He needs to keep his eye on the ball. Whatever he might think of Trump's awkward, sometimes vile, politics, the US is a major economic partner and South Africa needs trade and investment. After the formalities ("Congratulations on your victory. How is Melania ..."), Zuma needs to make it clear that South Africa is open to trade with the US. He should find out Trump's attitude to the current favourable trade legislation - AGOA - and make a strong pitch for its retention. He should avoid getting into any US domestic politics and not go for humour ("You don't need to build a wall as we have the Altantic Ocean between us") as the...
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