President Cyril Ramaphosa embarked on a diplomatic mission today, as he traveled to Poland, Ukraine, and Russia, representing the African Peace Mission’s efforts to foster a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. This endeavor comes after his participation in the International Labour Organisation’s World of Work Summit in Geneva, Switzerland.
Upon his arrival in the Polish capital, Warsaw, President Ramaphosa paid a courtesy call to President Andrzej Duda. Poland, a country that shares borders with Ukraine and Russia, has been significantly affected by the regional conflict. President Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of engaging with leaders from neighboring countries, whose stakes in the conflict are deeply intertwined.
President Ramaphosa’s next destination is Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, where he will engage in deliberations with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday, June 16. The African Peace Mission comprises the leaders of South Africa, Zambia, the Comoros, Congo Brazzaville, Egypt, Senegal, and Uganda, representing a continent that has experienced the adverse economic impact of the ongoing conflict.
African Heads of State and Government that are participating in the African Leaders Peace Mission holding a consultation while en route to Kiev by train.#AfricanPeaceMission#BetterAfricaBetterWorld pic.twitter.com/5wZOwkpm1v
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) June 15, 2023In recent weeks, President Ramaphosa has been in discussions with various international leaders, including President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation, President Zelenskyy, President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China, leaders of BRICS countries, and the Secretary-General of the United Nations. These conversations aim to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, aligning with South Africa’s stance as a non-aligned state.
Following the meeting in Kyiv, President Ramaphosa and the African delegation will proceed to St Petersburg, Russia, where they are scheduled to engage in discussions with President Putin on Saturday, June 17. The mission seeks to bring an African perspective and advocate for a peace process in ongoing global deliberations concerning the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
[PHOTOS]: African Heads of State and Government that are participating in the African Leaders Peace Mission holding a consultation while en route to Kiev by train.#AfricanPeaceMission#BetterAfricaBetterWorld pic.twitter.com/3LGqPP819t
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) June 15, 2023President Ramaphosa expressed his grave concern over the human suffering and negative economic impact caused by the conflict, emphasizing the interconnectedness of nations in today’s world. He stated, “The African Peace Mission brings an African perspective and an appeal for a peace process to deliberations that are underway in various parts of the world and within different formations of nations on how to address the conflict in Ukraine and Russia.”
🇿🇦 His Excellency President @CyrilRamaphosa arriving at the Warsaw Chopin Airport for his Working Visit to the Republic of Poland and Republic of Ukraine where he is attending the African Heads of State & Government Peace Initiative over the next few days. #RoadToPeace… pic.twitter.com/t7Fpa0Iooq
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) June 15, 2023Highlighting the urgency of peace efforts during escalated conflicts, President Ramaphosa added, “This peace initiative should be seen as complementing other peace initiatives that other parties have put forward. The strength of this mission is that African leaders will be engaging with both parties.”
President Ramaphosa is expected to return home on Sunday, June 18, following his diplomatic engagements in Ukraine and Russia.
