South Africa has summoned the United States’ senior diplomat in the capital Pretoria over President Donald Trump’s recent disparaging comments about African nations and Haiti.

Mr Trump has been accused of describing African nations as “shithole countries” during a meeting with US senators last week.

The US leader has denied making the statements, as well as dismissing accusations that he is racist.

South Africa’s foreign ministry said in a statement that it would call on the US Charge d’Affaires on Monday to provide an opportunity “to explain the statement that African countries constitute ‘shitholes’ from where migrants into the United States are undesirable”.

The US embassy confirmed receipt of the South African government’s request and said that relations between South African and the US must be based on mutual respect.

Mr Trump’s comments were met with widespread consternation in Africa, with an African Union spokeswoman saying the body was “frankly alarmed”.

Ebba Kalondo added: “Given the historical reality of how many Africans arrived in the United States as slaves, this statement flies in the face of all accepted behaviour and practice.”

The governments of Namibia and Botswana have also condemned the comments.

The US Embassy in Pretoria said on Friday that the US commitment to Africa’s “continued growth and success is unwavering”, adding: “Our progress forward will not be diverted by anything contrary to those goals.”