Zelenskyy and Ramaphosa Meet: Key Discussions on Peace and Cooperation

President Zelenskyy of Ukraine met with South Africa’s President Ramaphosa to discuss a just peace, prisoner releases, and the return of abducted children. The meeting highlighted the importance of global unity and cooperation, focusing on potential collaborations in energy and agriculture.

In a significant diplomatic meeting held recently, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine engaged with President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa to discuss pressing issues. The trio of key topics covered included the pursuit of a just peace to end the ongoing war, the release of military and civilian prisoners from both sides, and the urgent return of Ukrainian children forcibly taken by Russia. This meeting marks the first bilateral visit of a Ukrainian president to South Africa since the two nations established diplomatic relations.

During the meeting, President Zelenskyy reported the devastating impact of recent Russian attacks on Ukraine. In a strike that transpired on Thursday night, over 200 aerial weapons, including missiles and drones, were deployed, resulting in fatalities and more than 80 injuries. This prompted President Zelenskyy to truncate his visit to South Africa. However, showing commitment, he designated Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, to continue with the scheduled engagements in South Africa.

Expressing his gratitude towards President Ramaphosa, Zelenskyy stated, “We are grateful to you for your respect for Ukraine, for your support, and for sharing our belief that this war must be brought to an end as soon as possible. That was the main topic of our conversation today with President Ramaphosa.” Both leaders acknowledged the necessity for global unity in pressuring Russia to foster peace.

Attention was particularly drawn to the G20 summit, chaired by South Africa this year, as both presidents sought to leverage this platform for global cooperation. Ramaphosa declared the Republic of South Africa’s continuous commitment to supporting efforts for a just and comprehensive peace.

Zelenskyy highlighted the urgent matter of returning prisoners and children. He presented a stark list of 400 Ukrainian children abducted during the conflict, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis multi-faceted by these actions. Beyond humanitarian concerns, bilateral discussions extended to areas for potential collaboration, such as energy security, agriculture, and technology.

The Ukrainian leader suggested a collaborative initiative to establish a joint mineral hub focusing on fertilizer production and transport, asserting, “We can also work together to significantly increase electricity generation in your country – from nuclear to renewable sources. Affordable and cheap energy always helps economic growth.”

President Ramaphosa echoed interest in strengthening ties with Ukraine, emphasizing support for various cooperative ventures. He commended Ukraine’s efforts—particularly Zelenskyy’s—to foster relations with African nations and highlighted ongoing food supply initiatives, including the proposal to develop a grain hub in Mombasa, Kenya.

The meeting between Presidents Zelenskyy and Ramaphosa signals a pivotal moment in diplomatic relations between Ukraine and South Africa. Key points included discussions on achieving a just peace, addressing humanitarian crises, and enhancing bilateral cooperation in various sectors. Both nations expressed a commitment to collaborative efforts moving forward.

Original Source: www.president.gov.ua