South Africa has invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a state visit, with President Cyril Ramaphosa confirming the invitation. This comes after a week where Kyiv was absent from US-Russia peace talks. Both leaders emphasized the need for an inclusive peace process. The engagement also mirrors South Africa’s complex diplomatic positioning amid historical ties with Russia and strained relations with the US.
South Africa has extended an invitation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a state visit, as confirmed by President Cyril Ramaphosa via a social media platform, X. Although a specific date for the visit has not been disclosed, this invitation follows a week during which Kyiv was notably absent from discussions regarding the resolution of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, particularly discussions between the US and Russia.
In a recent phone conversation, Presidents Ramaphosa and Zelensky emphasized the critical need for an inclusive peace process. Zelensky reiterated the importance of involving Ukraine in decisions affecting its future, stating, “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.” Despite previous allegations of South Africa’s closer ties with Russia, the nation has sought to play an intermediary role in the peace talks.
In 2023, President Ramaphosa led a delegation of seven African nations, including Egypt, Senegal, Zambia, and Uganda, to engage in talks with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Zelensky. Given its historical connections to Russia and membership in the Brics coalition, South Africa has found itself navigating a complex diplomatic landscape.
Ramaphosa expressed his enthusiasm for engaging with President Zelensky, indicating in his post on X, “I welcome the constructive engagement I had with President [Zelensky] and I look forward to hosting him in South Africa soon for a state visit.” Zelensky reciprocated by expressing gratitude for South Africa’s support in maintaining Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing a mutual desire for a fair and lasting peace within the year.
Despite their regular communication since Russia’s invasion in 2022, progress towards a state visit had been stagnant until recently. Zelensky had previously conveyed his interest in visiting South Africa during a discussion at the International Food Summit, humorously noting, “I will be in Pretoria with pleasure, but you must ask Mr. Ramaphosa because I think he is more busy.”
Zelensky’s ongoing diplomatic engagements occur amid a deteriorating relationship with the United States, previously regarded as a crucial ally. Tensions intensified following remarks by former President Donald Trump, who criticized Zelensky, calling him a “dictator” who has “done a terrible job.” South Africa’s invitation to Zelensky arrives during a period of increasingly strained ties with the US, particularly after aid was cut due to a new land expropriation law. Ramaphosa has asserted that the country “will not be bullied,” further complicating its diplomatic relations.
The invitation for a state visit to President Zelensky by South Africa underscores the nation’s commitment to facilitating dialogue and resolution in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. This move comes at a time of heightened tensions both internationally and within its own relationships, particularly with the United States. As diplomatic engagements continue, the insistence on Ukraine’s involvement in these discussions reflects a significant shift in global diplomatic dynamics, highlighting the importance of sovereignty and collaborative peace efforts.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
