Zelenskyy in SA for talks on peace and cooperation
In a landmark moment for South African diplomacy, President Cyril Ramaphosa will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on an official visit at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Thursday.
Zelenskyy landed in South Africa with First Lady Olena Zelenska, welcomed by Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola.
This marks the first official visit by a Ukrainian head of state to South Africa, underscoring Pretoria's evolving role in global peace efforts.
President Zelenskyy's visit follows a series of engagements between the two leaders, including meetings at the United Nations General Assembly in New York and the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Their discussions have consistently emphasised the importance of an inclusive peace process to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
South Africa has maintained a non-aligned stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, abstaining from several United Nations (UN) resolutions condemning Moscow.
However, Ramaphosa has expressed support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, aiming to balance historical ties with Russia and emerging partnerships with Western nations.
Trade between South Africa and Ukraine remains modest but shows potential for growth.
In 2023, South Africa exported goods worth $114 million to Ukraine, including tanned hides, feldspar, and vehicles.
Ukraine’s exports to South Africa stood at $13.7 million, with dried legumes and electrical appliances among key products.
Despite a decline in trade volumes in recent years, both countries have signaled an interest in deepening economic ties, particularly in agriculture, education, and industrial cooperation.
DIPLOMATIC TIGHTROPE AND IMPLICATION
Zelensky’s visit follows a tense meeting with US President Donald Trump, which ended without a resource development deal. This has led to renewed discussions among European leaders on alternative support for Ukraine.
U.S. President has criticized Zelenskyy for refusing to recognise Russia's annexation of Crimea, suggesting that Ukraine's stance complicates peace negotiations.
FOCUS ON PEACE AND BILATERAL COOPERATION
The Presidency says the visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations, with discussions encompassing trade, agriculture, education, and collaborative efforts to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya emphasised that dialogue remains the only viable path to ending the conflict, highlighting South Africa's commitment to facilitating negotiations between all parties involved.
Magwenya also noted that this visit builds on earlier peace efforts led by President Ramaphosa, including his participation in the 2023 African Peace Mission to Kyiv and Moscow.
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