Ramaphosa reiterates call for cessation of Middle East hostilities
President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated his concern about the renewed conflict in the Middle East.
The conflict, now in its second week, has continued to escalate, with fresh Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, US bases across the Middle East and energy infrastructure in the Gulf.
Speaking during his state visit to Brazil on Monday, Ramaphosa urged all parties involved to cease hostilities and return to the negotiation table immediately:
“We reiterate our call for the peaceful resolution of disputes in line with the United Nations Charter, and we condemn the loss of life, particularly the lives of civilians and the destruction of vital infrastructure in that part of the world,” he said.
Trade between the two countries was also on the agenda during the two-day visit, with President Ramaphosa saying he believes there is room for a significant expansion of imports and exports.
"Brazil is a leading country when it comes to agriculture. We have a lot to learn. It's a leading country when it comes to energy. We have a lot to learn. In tourism, you receive more tourists than we do. We have a lot to learn. And in defence and aviation, you are much more advanced.
“And we have a lot to learn from each other, and we also have a lot to show you as well. And so therefore, we want our businesses to cooperate at a much deeper and higher level," he said.
He also welcomed the progress made in various sectors where cooperation has long existed, but acknowledged that much more could and should be done.
Ramaphosa added that economic collaboration between developing countries has never been more important, especially in a global environment where tariffs imposed by the Trump administration continue to disadvantage many countries.
"The clarity and warmth of our discussions give me a great deal of confidence that the momentum that has been generated during this visit will indeed yield concrete outcomes for our two nations, and will advance the interests of our people together."
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