Ramaphosa says Trump visit successful despite tension

WASHINGTON, United States

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said his visit to the White House Wednesday was a "a great success" even though a confrontation during the meeting with President Donald Trump over allegations of genocide garnered the most attention.

"We've been able to achieve what we set out to achieve: to achieve re-engagement with the U.S., to put the issues of investment and trade on the table, and to ensure that we continue engaging through the various other formations," Ramaphosa told reporters following his White House visit.

Trump used the White House meeting to confront Ramaphosa with baseless claims of the systematic killing of white farmers in that country.

Trump said during the meeting that people are fleeing South Africa for their own safety.

At one point, Trump dimmed the lights in the Oval Office to play a video of a far-left politician playing an anti-apartheid song that included lyrics about killing farmers. 

ALSO READ: Trump ambushes South African president with 'white persecution' claims

Ramaphosa pushed back against Trump’s accusation and downplayed his criticism, adding he believes “there’s doubt and disbelief in (Trump's) head” about his genocide charge.

Following the contentious exchange in front of the cameras, Trump hosted Ramaphosa for lunch and further talks. Ramaphosa said that discussions over lunch revolved around trade, investment and golf.

And said that both countries will "continue engaging."

"Our objective in coming here was to reset relations between the two countries and to reposition our relations which had become contaminated by some of the issues that had been raised during the engagement," Ramaphosa said. “You wanted to see drama and something really big happening. And I’m sorry that we disappointed you somewhat when it comes to that,” he added.