G7: France insists it resisted external demands regarding South Africa stance

On March 26, 2026, France's Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noel Barrot addressed the media during the G7 Foreign Ministers' meeting at the Vaux-de-Cernay Abbey in Cernay-la-Ville, where discussions centered on Russia's war in Ukraine and the Middle East situation.

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The two-day gathering brought together foreign ministers from the G7 and other European nations and allies, aiming to bridge the gap with the US on the Middle East conflict while maintaining focus on other pressing issues like Ukraine and Gaza.

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France denied allegations that it had succumbed to US pressure and rescinded an invitation for South Africa to attend a G7 summit scheduled for later in the year.

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The South African presidency had earlier stated that Washington had urged Paris to withdraw the invitation for President Cyril Ramaphosa to attend the G7 summit in France in June.

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However, according to France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, it was actually Kenya that had received an invitation to the meeting of industrialized democracies in the French town of Evian, not South Africa.

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Barrot asserted that France had not yielded to any external pressure, saying the decision was in line with the goal of hosting a streamlined G7 focused on geo-economic issues.

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When questioned about a potential invitation to South Africa, Barrot declined to respond, instead emphasizing France's appreciation for South Africa's significant role in international affairs.

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Barrot expressed that France values its close relationship with South Africa, considering it a key partner on all major global issues.