President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed South Africa’s unwavering support for peace initiatives between Russia and Ukraine. He made this statement during his visit to Moscow, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other top officials.
The meeting was aimed at strengthening the already existing bilateral relations between South Africa and Russia, as well as discussing ways to promote peace and stability in the international arena. President Ramaphosa’s visit also coincided with the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In his address, President Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. He acknowledged the efforts made by both countries in reaching a peaceful solution and urged them to continue with their dialogue.
“South Africa firmly believes in the principle of peaceful resolution of conflicts and we commend the efforts made by Russia and Ukraine in this regard. We urge both countries to continue their dialogue and find a lasting solution that will bring about peace and stability in the region,” said President Ramaphosa.
He further added that South Africa stands ready to offer any support and assistance in the peace process between the two nations. As a country that has experienced the devastating effects of conflict, South Africa understands the importance of peace and stability for the progress and development of a nation.
President Ramaphosa also highlighted the strong historical ties between South Africa and Russia, dating back to the days of the anti-apartheid struggle. He expressed his gratitude for the support that Russia provided during the struggle and the continued cooperation in various fields, including trade, energy, and science and technology.
During his visit, President Ramaphosa also met with members of South Africa’s business community and encouraged them to explore the numerous investment opportunities that Russia has to offer. He also invited Russian companies to invest in South Africa, stating that the country is open for business and welcomes foreign investment.
In response, President Putin expressed his appreciation for South Africa’s support and emphasized the importance of cooperation between the two countries in promoting peace and stability in the world. He also welcomed South Africa’s participation in the upcoming Russia-Africa summit, which will be held later this year.
The summit aims to strengthen economic and political ties between Russia and African nations and provide a platform for discussing issues of mutual interest. President Ramaphosa confirmed that he will attend the summit and looks forward to further strengthening the relationship between South Africa and Russia.
In conclusion, President Ramaphosa’s visit to Russia has reaffirmed the strong bond between the two nations and their commitment to promoting peace and stability. South Africa’s support for the peace initiatives between Russia and Ukraine is a testament to its commitment to global peace and security. As a responsible member of the international community, South Africa will continue to play a constructive role in finding solutions to conflicts and promoting peaceful coexistence.
