Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Presidency says.
Ramaphosa briefed Putin about the upcoming African Leaders Peace Mission to Ukraine and Russia.
The two leaders also discussed the Russia-Africa Summit that is scheduled to take place at the end of July in St. Petersburg, in the Russian Federation.
“President Putin has welcomed the initiative by African Heads of State and expressed his desire to receive the peace mission,” the Presidency said.
The telephone conversation with President Putin followed a discussion which took place on Monday, 05 June 2023 amongst the African leaders.
The leaders discussed their forthcoming engagements with Presidents Putin and Zelensky regarding exploring ways of bringing an end to the conflict.
Leaders of Zambia, Senegal, the Republic of Congo, Uganda, Egypt and South Africa will lead the initiative, which has been welcomed by the UN.
South Africa, which has close ties to the Kremlin since the anti-apartheid struggle years, has refused to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, saying it is “neutral” and prefers dialogue.
The peace plan bid could help Pretoria spruce up its image as a neutral player and mediator, following accusations that it has drifted towards Russia.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
