PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have spoken for the first time about Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
Ramaphosa confirmed the phone call on Thursday on his official Twitter account.
He tweeted; “ 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.”
The Ukrainian president also confirmed the phone with Ramaphosa, tweeting: “Had a phone conversation with @CyrilRamaphosa. Told about our resistance to Russian aggression. Discussed the threat of a global food crisis, deepening relations with the Republic of South Africa and cooperation within international organizations.”
Earlier reports noted that bickering between SA and Ukrainian diplomats was behind the delay in the phone call between the two heads of state.
The Ukrainians were said to be unhappy that SA requested a call between the two presidents a week after Ramaphosa had a telephone conversation with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
The Kremlin and many African countries have strong, long-running historical ties dating back to the 1960s Cold War when it provided military training and assistance to freedom fighters.
Russia had pushed for South Africa to become a member of the once-influential club of emerging economies which include Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRICS).
In March, South Africa was one of the 17 African countries to abstain from voting on another UN resolution calling on Russia to cease fire.
Earlier this month, South Africa also abstained from voting on the suspension of Russia from the UN Human Rights Council over its invasion of Ukraine.
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