Ramaphosa says no surprise at South Africa not attending G7 summit in France

It was "not a surprise" that South Africa would not attend the upcoming Group of Seven (G7) summit in France, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said, downplaying suggestions of a diplomatic snub following reports that an earlier invitation had been withdrawn.



"My information is that there has been no pressure from any country, the United States or any other country," Ramaphosa told local media on Thursday.



South Africa is not a member of the G7 and has not participated in every G7 meeting, he said, adding: "If we don't go to this one, it should never be a surprise to anyone."



Earlier on Thursday, Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for the South African presidency, said: "We've learnt that due to sustained pressure, France has had to withdraw its invitation to South Africa to attend the G7 meeting."



South Africa had been informed that the United States threatened to boycott the summit if South Africa were invited, Magwenya said, adding that South Africa would therefore not attend the meeting.



In response, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said France had "not yielded to any pressure" but had opted for a "streamlined G7."



The next G7 summit is scheduled to take place in June in the French city of Evian.