JOHANNESBURG, March 7, 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to visit South Africa next month, the country’s presidency confirmed on Friday.
“President Zelensky will be visiting South Africa on the 10th of April,” announced presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya to AFP.
The visit is part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to support “an inclusive peace process” between Russia and Ukraine, he added.
Last week, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa extended a state visit invitation to Zelensky, following widespread criticism of both Russia and the United States for attempting to negotiate an end to the war without involving Ukraine or its European allies in the process.
“South Africa remains committed to supporting the dialogue process between Russia and Ukraine,” Ramaphosa stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The two leaders have maintained “constructive engagement,” agreeing on the critical need for a peace process that includes all parties involved, according to Ramaphosa. He further emphasised the importance of involving Ukraine in any peace negotiations.
Zelensky expressed his gratitude to Ramaphosa for supporting “Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” and conveyed his hope for peace in the year ahead.
“It is crucial that our nations share the same stance: nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine,” Zelensky remarked in a post on X last week.
Supplementary Information:
The visit underscores South Africa’s role in advocating for an inclusive approach to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. As part of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) group, South Africa has sought to mediate in the conflict while balancing its relations with both Russia and the West. Zelensky’s visit will likely further strengthen the relationship between Ukraine and South Africa, which has been cautiously supportive of Ukraine’s territorial integrity while urging peace talks that involve all stakeholders. The ongoing international diplomatic efforts to resolve the war are set to continue as global powers seek a resolution that addresses the concerns of all parties involved.
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