South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held talks on Tuesday to address the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Ukrainian president specifically requested the meeting, emphasizing their shared desire for a peaceful resolution. In a statement released by the South African presidency, President Ramaphosa expressed his appreciation for President Zelensky’s commitment to reviving the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Both leaders affirmed their dedication to continued collaboration on this initiative.
The Black Sea Grain Initiative, initially brokered by the United Nations and Turkey in July 2022, allowed for the export of grain from Ukrainian ports to global markets. However, Russia withdrew from the agreement, resulting in its suspension. In response, Ukraine proposed the establishment of grain hubs in African ports. Kenya’s President William Ruto recently announced that Ukraine agreed to establish a grain hub in the port of Mombasa, which would supply the East African region. Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan were among the countries that benefited from the Black Sea Grain deal.
In addition to discussing the grain deal, President Ramaphosa expressed his country’s commitment to active engagement in the Africa Peace Initiative. This initiative was presented earlier this year by seven African leaders as a potential framework for achieving peace. Furthermore, President Ramaphosa pledged South Africa’s participation in talks based on the peace formula outlined by Ukraine, specifically at the level of national security advisers.
This meeting between the South African and Ukrainian leaders signifies their joint efforts to address the Russia-Ukraine conflict and promote regional stability. By reviving the grain deal and actively engaging in the Africa Peace Initiative, they aim to foster peaceful resolutions and strengthen international cooperation.
Authored by Media Talk Africa.
