Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that he held a telephone conversation with Ukraine leader Volodymyr Zelensky.
Ramaphosa has been calling for talks between Russia and Ukraine to end the conflict.
“I had a telephone conversation with President @ZelenskyyUa of Ukraine to discuss the conflict in Ukraine and its tragic human cost, as well its global ramifications.
“We agree on the need for a negotiated end to the conflict which has impacted Ukraine’s place in global supply chains, including its position as a major exporter of food to our continent. President Zelenskyy anticipates closer relations with Africa in future,” said Ramaphosa.
We agree on the need for a negotiated end to the conflict which has impacted Ukraine’s place in global supply chains, including its position as a major exporter of food to our continent. President Zelenskyy anticipates closer relations with Africa in future.
— Cyril Ramaphosa ?? (@CyrilRamaphosa) April 21, 2022
The South African leader’s remarks came after Zelensky revealed on Wednesday that he held discussions with him.
Ramaphosa has previously confirmed through Twitter that he has had telephonic conversations with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, China’s Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden.
South Africa has maintained a non-aligned stance, touting negotiation as the best option to end the conflict despite international outrage and condemnation.
Earlier this month the continental powerhouse abstained once again from voting on the UN General Assembly resolution that suspended Russia from the UN Human Rights Council as punishment for the invasion of Ukraine.
It was the third time that South Africa abstained from voting on resolutions adopted over the war.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
