The US has denounced South Africa's stance on the political crisis in Venezuela as "disappointing", adding that it is "puzzling", given South Africa's history and what the Venezuelan people are going through.
South Africa is one of three countries that voted against a US resolution to back self-proclaimed acting Venezuelan president Juan Guaido.
In January, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Lindiwe Sisulu affirmed South Africa's stance, recognising Nicolas Maduro as Venezuela's rightful leader.
She used the vote against the US resolution at the United Nations to declare Maduro president.
South Africa sided with China, Cuba, Nicaragua and Russia.
Russia and South Africa recently assumed a non-permanent seat in the council.
Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs in the US, Tibor Nagy, said "South Africa [was] important to the US, [and it was] looking forward to deepening partnerships with [it]".
Nagy held a telephonic press briefing on Monday, previewing Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan's upcoming travels to South Africa and Angola.
Sullivan is expected to visit South Africa to discuss bilateral ties, young leaders, land reform and the upcoming elections.
He will then head to Luanda in Angola to discuss bilateral issues and US-Angola strategic dialogue, as well as environmental issues.
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