Ramaphosa 'willing' to return to Poland on official trip - Pandor
International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor says President Cyril Ramaphosa is willing to return to Poland despite diplomatic tension between the two countries.
The tensions came to light after Poland grounded a South African Airways flight transporting a large group of presidential security personnel and journalists meant to travel with Ramaphosa to war-torn Ukraine on a peace mission.
Polish authorities said the South African security personnel did not have the necessary permits for their weapons.
The stand-off has led to a call by the EFF for the Polish embassy in Pretoria to be downgraded and its ambassador recalled.
However, speaking to the SABC, Pandor said diplomatic relations with Poland remain intact.
"During the period in Warsaw, we had a meeting with the leadership of Poland, and it went exceptionally well to the degree that the president has indicated a willingness to undertake an official visit to Poland.
"At the level of government with DIRCO and the president everything went well. As to the other issues, I don't wish to comment on that, and I think the appropriate department [police] can speak on that."
Pandor was responding to questions on the detention of Ramaphosa's security personnel in Poland after being denied entry.
"DIRCO does not make arrangements with respect to the president’s security, this if left to the Presidential Protection Unit and the responsible party would be the minister of police. From our side, all the protocol arrangements were made."
ALSO READ:
