Official Visit of the President and the First Lady of Ukraine to the Republic of South Africa
Meeting Between the President of Ukraine and the President of the Republic of South Africa Held in Pretoria
A meeting between President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa took place in Pretoria.
The Ukrainian leader briefed the President of South Africa, who currently chairs the G20, about today’s missile and drone strikes against Ukraine and the Ukrainian people carried out by Russia. Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the urgent need to intensify global diplomatic efforts and pressure to ensure the immediate and unconditional cessation of these attacks.
The leaders also discussed humanitarian matters, in particular the assistance of the Republic of South Africa in the return of prisoners and Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.
Among other topics of the meeting were the deepening of trade and economic cooperation, collaboration in the fields of agriculture, food security, education and science, as well as joint projects in the energy, security, digitalization, and communications sectors.
Advancing a Just Peace, Releasing Prisoners, and Bringing Back Children Abducted by Russia: President of Ukraine Meets with President of South Africa
Diplomatic efforts to end the war with a just peace, the release of military and civilian prisoners, and the return of Ukrainian children illegally deported and displaced by Russia were the key topics of negotiations between the Presidents of Ukraine and the Republic of South Africa. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported this after the meeting.
This is the first bilateral visit by a President of Ukraine to South Africa since diplomatic relations were established between the two countries.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed his counterpart about the consequences of Russian strikes on Ukraine on Thursday night. Russia used over 200 aerial weapons: missiles, including ballistic ones, and attack drones. There are fatalities and more than 80 people injured.
The Head of State noted that due to the Russian attack, he decided to shorten his visit to South Africa. To show respect and to carry out all scheduled meetings, Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha will remain in the Republic of South Africa.
“We are grateful to you for your respect for Ukraine, for your support, and for sharing our belief that this war must be brought to an end as soon as possible. That was the main topic of our conversation today with President Ramaphosa,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Cyril Ramaphosa discussed the importance of uniting all global efforts and ensuring pressure on Russia in the interest of peace. Special attention was given to potential opportunities within the G20, which South Africa is chairing this year.
“The Republic of South Africa is willing and continues to support all efforts, including multilateral ones, to achieve a just, durable, and comprehensive peace,” the South African President stated.
The President of Ukraine emphasized the urgent issues of releasing prisoners and returning children. During the meeting, he handed over a list of 400 Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.
The leaders also discussed matters of the bilateral agenda. Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine has capacities in energy security, agriculture, fertilizer production, defense manufacturing, and technologies. Ukraine also proposed creating a joint mineral hub with South Africa for the production and transportation of fertilizers.
“We can also work together to significantly increase electricity generation in your country – from nuclear to renewable sources. Affordable and cheap energy always helps economic growth. I have instructed our officials to thoroughly explore every potential joint project,” the President said.
Cyril Ramaphosa noted that the Republic of South Africa is interested in developing all possible areas of cooperation with Ukraine.
“We recognize the efforts Ukraine, and in particular President Zelenskyy, is making to expand relations with African countries. We commend the grain and food supply initiatives, as well as the proposal to create a grain hub in Mombasa, Kenya,” the South African President concluded.
Ukraine Supports All Partner Proposals for Peace, Except Those That Contradict Our Constitution – Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Ukraine cannot accept any agreements that contradict our values and Constitution. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this during a conversation with media representatives in the Republic of South Africa.
The Head of State emphasized that at the meeting in Saudi Arabia, the U.S. team proposed a full and unconditional ceasefire. Ukraine accepted it unconditionally – Russia did not.
“If Russia claims it’s ready for a ceasefire, it must stop its massive strikes on Ukraine,” the President said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine wants to end the war and receive reliable security guarantees. But the first step toward peace talks must be a full, unconditional ceasefire.
“We are doing everything our partners have proposed. The only thing we cannot do is what contradicts our legislation and Constitution. And that’s clear, because even the fight for our state’s independence, our sovereignty and territorial integrity is a matter of survival. And here we are absolutely straightforward and fully transparent,” the President emphasized.
The Head of State stressed the importance of bringing all children back home and releasing military and civilian prisoners.
“The first occupation of Ukraine was in 2014. People have been imprisoned in Russia for almost 12 years. We want to bring people back home,” he said.
According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, it is essential that the entire world support peace initiatives and force Russia to end the war.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed his country’s readiness to play a role in achieving peace and to take part in various initiatives, particularly those focused on the return of children.
“We would like to see an agreement first for a ceasefire, and secondly to bring the war to an end completely. I believe the United States, Europe, and of course the African continent would be willing and prepared to play a productive role. This is what we as South Africa are prepared to do,” he emphasized.