Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated the importance of dialogue and negotiation for building lasting peace and cooperation globally, not just in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
Speaking during the Joint Working Visit with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, and the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen on Tuesday, Ramaphosa stressed the need to bridge divides between nations and regions through dialogue.
“If we are to bridge the growing divides between nations, between regions and between the Global North and South then we must begin with dialogue.
[WATCH LIVE]: His Excellency President @CyrilRamaphosa delivers his remarks at the Official Talks during the Joint Working Visit with Denmark and the Netherlands#BetterAfricaBetterWorld ?https://t.co/yrvulCxSVn
— Presidency | South Africa ?? (@PresidencyZA) June 20, 2023
“We must work to create a peaceful and prosperous world by building mutually beneficial partnerships that support the aspirations of all our peoples,” he said.
He reflected on the African Peace Mission to Ukraine and Russia, where African leaders called for de-escalation, negotiations, humanitarian support, and prioritised reconstruction efforts.
“Among other things, we called for a de-escalation of fighting and for negotiations to commence with urgency; for the release of prisoners of war and return of children; for greater humanitarian support; and for reconstruction efforts to be prioritised.
“We used the meetings to highlight the damaging effect that this conflict is having on African countries and economies, contributing to food shortages and a rise in the cost of living,” he said.
Ramaphosa highlighted the damaging impact of the conflict on African countries and economies.
The visit seeks to solidify South Africa’s relationship with Denmark and the Netherlands in the areas of green hydrogen, renewable energy and #justenergy transition. pic.twitter.com/pcqxoTklHQ
— Presidency | South Africa ?? (@PresidencyZA) June 20, 2023
“You will be familiar with the pressure on our electricity network and the impact it has on the South African economy. For this reason, your visit and our engagements on closer cooperation in the energy space are very opportune and important.
“Renewable energy forms an increasingly important part of our energy mix and is vital to both the achievement of a just transition and greater energy security. We hope to benefit from closer cooperation with your countries in this regard,” he said.
The President also discussed energy cooperation, stating that South Africa’s electricity challenges necessitated collaboration on renewable energy.
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Picture: Twitter/@PresidencyZA
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
