Earlier, South Africa’s presidency claimed Washington urged Paris to disinvite President Cyril Ramaphosa from the June meeting.
But French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot says no such move was made, stressing that Kenya—not South Africa—was invited to the summit in the French town of Evian.
Speaking on the sidelines of a G7 foreign ministers’ meeting, Barrot insisted France acted independently.
He says the decision aligns with plans for a streamlined summit focused on geo-economic issues.
Barrot declined to confirm whether South Africa had ever received an invitation.
However, he emphasized that France values its relationship with South Africa, describing it as a key partner on major global issues.
France says it remains in close contact with Pretoria despite the controversy.
