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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was warmly welcomed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria — marking his first official trip to South Africa since taking office.
The ceremonial reception included a full guard of honour and national anthems, setting a formal but friendly tone for a visit focused on strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations. Shortly after the welcoming ceremony, the two leaders held a private one-on-one meeting, described by officials as open, respectful, and forward-looking.
At the heart of President Zelenskyy’s visit was a shared desire to expand cooperation in key areas such as trade, agriculture, education, and investment. With global economic uncertainty still a challenge for many countries, both sides expressed interest in increasing trade volumes and sharing technological know-how. South Africa, with its growing industrial base and regional influence, and Ukraine, with its deep expertise in agriculture and energy, see a unique opportunity to support each other in areas of mutual interest.
Their discussions also touched on broader global issues, including the need for collective action in response to ongoing conflicts and rising geopolitical tensions. President Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s position in favour of diplomacy and peaceful dialogue, saying, “True peace cannot be achieved through conflict — it must come through understanding, negotiation, and mutual respect.”
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President Zelenskyy acknowledged the role African countries can play in shaping a more balanced global order and emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to engaging with the continent not just politically, but also economically and culturally.
The visit was being hailed as a significant step in Ukraine’s effort to build closer ties with the Global South — especially as countries like South Africa continue to advocate for multilateral cooperation and fair representation on the international stage.
However, the visit was cut short after reports of a deadly missile and drone strike in Kyiv. The Ukrainian president left Pretoria early to return home and respond to the crisis. Despite the abrupt end, both governments described the visit as constructive and a promising start to deeper cooperation.
Analysts note that the meeting, though brief, could open doors for future collaboration and reinforce the importance of cross-continental partnerships in addressing the complex challenges of today’s world.
