Pretoria, South Africa – April 24, 2025
President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Thursday, marking the first official visit by a Ukrainian Head of State to South Africa since diplomatic ties were established 33 years ago.
The high-level meeting, held during Zelenskyy’s official tour of Africa, aimed to strengthen bilateral relations and discuss pathways to global and regional peace. The talks come in the wake of South Africa’s increasing role in international mediation efforts, particularly through the African Peace Initiative.
Speaking after their meeting, President Ramaphosa said the two leaders had held productive discussions focused on areas such as trade, agriculture, education, infrastructure development, and peace diplomacy. Ministers from both countries also engaged in parallel talks to explore investment opportunities in agribusiness and other economic sectors.
“We are pleased with the deepening cooperation between our countries,” Ramaphosa said. “This visit reflects a shared desire to forge stronger partnerships that benefit our people.”
Ramaphosa also commended Ukraine’s humanitarian outreach on the continent, citing the delivery of grain to food-insecure regions in West and East Africa and the establishment of a grain hub in Kenya’s Port of Mombasa. These efforts, he noted, followed earlier agreements made during a visit to Kyiv in June 2023 by a delegation of African leaders under the African Peace Initiative.
The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to global peace and security, the rule of law in international affairs, and the central role of the United Nations in global governance.
Ramaphosa expressed deep concern over the ongoing war in Ukraine, lamenting the civilian casualties, damaged infrastructure, and worsening humanitarian conditions. He stressed that only diplomacy and inclusive dialogue can bring lasting peace, referencing South Africa’s own peaceful transition from apartheid to democracy.
“Our experience shows that dialogue is more powerful than any weapon,” he said. “It is this belief that drives our involvement in the African Peace Initiative and the Ukraine Peace Formula.”
Ramaphosa also revealed that he had spoken with former U.S. President Donald Trump the previous day about the urgent need to end the conflict in Ukraine. Both leaders reportedly agreed to meet soon to further discuss the issue and bilateral relations. Earlier this week, Ramaphosa held a similar conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with both affirming their willingness to pursue peaceful solutions.
South Africa reiterated its support for credible, inclusive multilateral efforts aimed at securing a just and lasting resolution to the war. As the visit concluded, Ramaphosa and Zelenskyy reaffirmed the historic bonds of friendship between their nations and pledged continued cooperation in the years ahead.
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