Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his appreciation for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s commitment to seriously consider proposals made by seven African leaders to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.
The African leaders are in favour of negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow, as the war has had significant adverse effects on the continent, leading to increased food and fuel prices.
Ramaphosa said that peace is the only solution to the conflict, drawing from the continent’s past experiences where many conflicts have been resolved through negotiations.
Ramaphosa, along with other African leaders, met with Putin in St Petersburg during the Russia-Africa summit.
[WATCH] President Ramaphosa delivers remarks during the Working Dinner with Group of African Leaders participating in the #AfricanPeaceInitiative hosted by President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, Russia. pic.twitter.com/MI53ECdzDG
— @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) July 28, 2023
Zambian leader Haikande Hichilema did not attend the meeting but had been part of a previous delegation that travelled to Kyiv and St Petersburg for discussions.
Ramaphosa praised Putin for considering the proposals put forward by the African leaders and said that Putin had already responded positively to one of the proposals regarding a grain deal.
African leaders wanted the Black Sea to be open to the world market to access grain, which could help alleviate high food prices on the continent.
“President Putin, we are pleased that you will be able to give us an indication of our response to a number of proposals that we put forward in the closed session. What pleases us is that you yourself have said you have been giving serious consideration to the proposals that have been put forward by the seven African countries. I draw a lot of confidence on what you have said and in the closed session you will be able to inform us,” IOL quoted Ramaphosa as saying.
Last night we met as leaders to further discuss the Africa Peace Initiative on Russia and Ukraine with President Putin. pic.twitter.com/uCIDx2JymJ
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) July 29, 2023