South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called President Donald Trump’s decision not to invite his country to the 2026 G20 summit in Miami, Florida, ‘regrettable.’ He called the decision “punitive measures” based on a misunderstanding of his country, and said the choice was predicated on “misinformation” and “distortions.”

“It is regrettable that despite the efforts and numerous attempts by President Ramaphosa and his administration to reset the diplomatic relationship with the U.S., President Trump continues to apply punitive measures against South Africa based on misinformation and distortions about our country,” said Vincent Magwenya, a spokesman for the Ramaphosa administration, in a press release.