Pretoria, South Africa – April 24, 2025
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings on Thursday, marking a historic moment as the first official visit by a Ukrainian Head of State to South Africa since diplomatic relations began three decades ago.
The visit, described as a milestone in South Africa–Ukraine relations, comes at a time of heightened global focus on diplomacy and peacebuilding. Both leaders engaged in wide-ranging discussions, covering peace efforts, trade, agriculture, education, infrastructure, and mutual development goals.
“This Official Visit reflects our shared commitment to enhancing our bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of our peoples,” said President @CyrilRamaphosa, welcoming Zelenskyy and his delegation to Pretoria.
“South Africa is deeply concerned about the continuing conflict in Ukraine, the loss of civilian lives, damage to critical infrastructure and deteriorating humanitarian situation.”
President @CyrilRamaphosa #UkraineInSA pic.twitter.com/fv6dFcuw9A
— ATHI GELEBA 🇿🇦 (@AthiGeleba) April 24, 2025Ramaphosa stated that the meeting offered a platform to address both countries’ roles in promoting peace and stability across Africa and beyond. “Our engagement today was an opportunity to discuss our shared interest in advancing peace, security, stability and sustainable development on the continent, in Ukraine and across the world,” he said.
South Africa, which has positioned itself as a bridge in global peace efforts, particularly through the African Peace Initiative, reiterated its concern about the war in Ukraine.
“South Africa is deeply concerned about the continuing conflict in Ukraine, the loss of civilian lives, damage to critical infrastructure and deteriorating humanitarian situation,” President @CyrilRamaphosa noted during the joint address.
🇺🇦 His Excellency President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived at the Union Buildings and is received by HE President @CyrilRamaphosa for his official visit to South Africa.
The two Heads of State will have a têtê-a-têtê ahead of official talks between country delegations. pic.twitter.com/fGmm72JeI7
— ATHI GELEBA 🇿🇦 (@AthiGeleba) April 24, 2025He added that peace can only be achieved through “diplomacy, inclusive dialogue, and a commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter.”
President Ramaphosa revealed that South Africa had recently engaged in separate talks with both former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, seeking to explore peaceful resolutions to the ongoing crisis.
“South Africa stands ready to continue to support all credible and inclusive multilateral efforts aimed at achieving a just, sustainable and comprehensive peace,” he said.
As the meeting concluded, Ramaphosa affirmed the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations: “Today, President Zelenskyy and I re-affirmed the bonds of friendship and solidarity that exist between our two countries. We look forward to continued engagement and cooperation that benefits our peoples and our countries.”
He closed with a reflection rooted in South Africa’s own journey toward peace: “If there is one thing that our history has taught us, it is that diplomacy and dialogue are more powerful than any weapon.”
