Leo Brent Bozell has said he aims to build on "shared values" and elevate relations between Washington and Pretoria to new heights

US Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III formally presented his credentials to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday, saying he has "fallen in love" with the country amid strained relations between Washington and Pretoria.

He made the statement in a message he delivered as he formally presented his diplomatic credentials to President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Bozell handed over his Letters of Credence and Recall during an official ceremony at the Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse on Wednesday, marking the formal start of his tenure as Washington's envoy.

"Mr President, before I arrived here, I cannot tell you how many people told me that, in short, I'll fall in love with the country. It's only taken two months, and I can confirm that has happened."

Bozell said the US and South Africa are two nations with "shared values and interests".

"Perhaps not enough people understand this, but you, your excellency, were the primary author of your constitution. You do understand that.

"It's my goal and my time here to build on the shared interests, to build on self-respect, to build on our shared values, to take our two nations to places they've never been before. I believe in the art of the possible, and I believe it will happen."

Bozell's remarks come despite recent diplomatic tensions between Pretoria and Washington. These include disagreements over South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, as well as backlash after the ambassador publicly criticised a local court ruling on the controversial "kill the boer" chant.

Despite tensions, Wednesday's ceremony emphasised continued diplomatic engagement.

Bozell was among representatives from 20 countries, including Zimbabwe, Cuba and Denmark, whose credentials were accepted by Ramaphosa.

First published by IOL