Pretoria: President Cyril Ramaphosa and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have taken significant steps to deepen bilateral relations between South Africa and Ukraine during a landmark official visit. President Ramaphosa hosted President Zelenskyy at the Union Buildings, marking the first official visit by a Ukrainian Head of State to South Africa.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa expressed his honor in welcoming President Zelenskyy and his delegation, highlighting the historic nature of the visit. This marks the first time in 33 years of diplomatic relations that a Ukrainian Head of State has visited South Africa. President Ramaphosa acknowledged Ukraine’s support during South Africa’s liberation struggle, noting that many exiled South Africans received training and education in Ukraine.
In June 2023, President Ramaphosa visited President Zelenskyy in Kyiv as part of the African Peace Initiative. Since then, the two countries have maintained ongoing dialogue. President Ramaphosa emphasized the successful talks held during the visit, which focused on consolidating and deepening bilateral relations. Discussions included expanding relations in peace diplomacy, post-conflict reconstruction, development, and the empowerment of women. Opportunities for cooperation in agriculture, trade, education, infrastructure, and social exchanges were also explored.
The visit also saw discussions on strengthening trade and investment opportunities, particularly in agriculture and agribusiness. President Ramaphosa commended Ukraine’s efforts, led by President Zelenskyy, to expand relations with Africa, including the provision of grain to food-stressed areas and the opening of a grain hub at the Port of Mombasa, Kenya. These developments are direct outcomes of discussions held during the African Peace Initiative visit to Kyiv.
President Zelenskyy, in his remarks, highlighted South Africa’s presidency over the Group of 20 (G20) and emphasized the potential for the G20 to play a significant role in defending peace. He proposed the creation of a joint mineral hub between Ukraine and South Africa to facilitate the production and transport of fertilizers, supporting the broader Southern African region. President Zelenskyy also expressed interest in energy security matters and proposed building modern production facilities in South Africa to enhance the power sector.
Additionally, President Zelenskyy highlighted opportunities for cooperation in the agricultural sector, which could enhance bilateral trade between the two countries. He proposed a joint mineral hub to produce and transport fertilizers, supporting the entire region. Ukraine is also ready to work on developing modern security systems and boosting power generation, from atomic energy to renewables, in partnership with South Africa.
A poignant moment during the visit was President Zelenskyy’s presentation of a list of 400 Ukrainian children reportedly held against their will in Russia. He acknowledged South Africa’s role as co-leader of the global coalition to bring Ukrainian children home and expressed hope that President Ramaphosa would assist in securing their return.
President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the visit and reiterated Ukraine’s belief in South Africa’s and Africa’s support in engaging Russia towards a full-scale ceasefire.