Parliament, Saturday, 26 April 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, has noted with appreciation the high-level official visit by the Ukrainian head of state, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to South Africa.
Addressing the media after the engagement with President Zelenskyy, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the historic official visit reflected the two governments’ shared commitment to enhancing their bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of their peoples. It is the first time a Ukrainian head of state has visited South Africa in the 33 years since the two countries established formal diplomatic relations.
President Ramaphosa visited President Zelenskyy in Kyiv in 2023 as part of the African Peace Initiative. Since then, the two presidents have maintained an ongoing dialogue between their countries and diplomats. The two presidents concluded successful talks yesterday, during which they exchanged views on how to consolidate and deepen the bilateral relations between their two countries.
The committee particularly noted the growing interest that arose from the engagement between the two presidents on expanding relations in peace diplomacy, post-conflict reconstruction and development, and the empowerment women. They also discussed opportunities for cooperation in areas such as agriculture, trade, education, infrastructure and social exchanges.
The Chairperson said the committee is pleased to hear that the relevant Ministers held discussions on strengthening trade and investment opportunities in the respective countries, including opportunities in agriculture and agribusiness.
“We are looking forward to the yielding of a productive fruit out of the relationship between South Africa and Ukraine. The reinforced common commitment by the two presidents to respect the rule of law in international relations, multilateralism, peace and security is highly appreciated,” stressed the Chairperson.
The Chairperson also noted media reports regarding the work done by President Donald Trump on efforts to bring the Russia Ukraine Conflict to an end. “It would have been geo-politically prudent for South Africa to have emphasised that it supports all efforts to bring about peace and these includes pronounced efforts by President Trump on possibilities of ending the quagmire between Russia and Ukraine,” he said.
He added: “Objectively speaking, there is a new reality emerging out of the situation facing Russia and Ukraine.”
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION, MR SUPRA MAHUMAPELO.
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