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This week I will form part of the delegation led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, on a historic, and crucial visit to the United States of America, to engage with President Trump, and other senior US officials.

The highest issues on my priority list will be securing trade relations between the US and SA, particularly in agriculture, to protect jobs, grow the economy and expand employment opportunities.

South Africa's relationship with the United States is one of immense importance. Preferential trade agreements such as AGOA contribute significantly to our economy. Losing these benefits would be disastrous for farmers, farm workers and the economy at large.

Relationships between countries are never simple. We cannot pretend that we are not facing unique challenges in our country. This delegation to Washington DC represents all South Africans, who have entrusted us to put the shared national interests, and desire for economic growth and job creation first, ahead of any party, or ideological positions.

As a proud member of this GNU delegation, I will endeavor to ensure every effort is made to mend, and improve relations between the US and SA.

There is a renewed hope in South Africans, thanks to the formation of the GNU, and we dare not fail them on our mission to increase economic growth, and job opportunities for all South Africans.

South Africa will work if South Africans can get work.

Issued by John Steenhuisen MP - Leader of the Democratic Alliance