Former president Thabo Mbeki used an event marking the 250th anniversary of US independence to reflect on the longstanding ties between South Africa and the US, describing the relationship as one built on shared democratic ideals and mutually beneficial co-operation.
Relations between Pretoria and Washington remain strained over trade, diplomacy and US President Donald Trumps criticism of Africas biggest economy.
Speaking at a reception hosted by the US embassy in Pretoria on Wednesday evening, Mbeki said the anniversary should serve as an opportunity to reaffirm the friendship between the two countries and advance mutually beneficial co-operation based on their shared commitment to democracy and human progress.
