BRUXELLES: The European Union has expressed its unwavering support to South Africa’s leadership of the G20 prior to this month’s summit in Johannesburg, in the midst of rising tensions between South Africa and the United States following President Donald Trump’s decision to freeze assistance on controversial land reform laws.

Trump froze American assistance to South Africa last week with reference to a law in the country, which he claims that land can be seized from white farmers despite Johannesburg’s denials.

One of Trump’s allies is the South African -born billionaire Elon Musk, who has accused South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government of having “open racist ownership legislation”.

South Africa will host G20 talks on foreign ministers in Johannesburg on 20-21. February, as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said he will skip and accuses the host government of having an “anti-American” agenda.

European Council Manager Antonio Costa spoke with Ramaphosa via telephone and gave EU support to South Africa prior to the conversations.

“On my phone call with President Cyril Ramaphosa, I highlighted the EU’s obligation to elaborate on the ties with South Africa as a reliable and predictable partner,” Costa published at X.

“I expressed the EU’s full support for South Africa’s leadership of the G20 and its ambition to strengthen multilateral cooperation and the pact for the future to tackle the most pressing global questions,” Costa added.

There will be a meeting between the European Union and South Africa on March 13, he said.