South Africa believes in peace process promoted by African mission in Ukraine

According to a VNA correspondent in Pretoria, on June 18, the Office of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said that visits by African peace missions to Russia and Ukraine have paved the way for promoting a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis.

Panorama of the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and a delegation of African leaders in Strelna, a suburb of Saint Petersburg (Russia), June 17, 2023. Photo: AFP/TTXVN

"President Ramaphosa today, 18 June 2023, concluded a two-day working visit to Ukraine and the Russian Federation, where African leaders proposed a path to peace in the 16-month conflict between the two countries. The proposals made by African leaders during their visits to Ukraine and Russia laid the foundation for future engagements that will contribute to the path to peace and resolution of the devastating conflict," the Presidency said in a statement.

According to the statement, the African delegation outlined a number of key elements needed to start the movement towards peace, including de-escalation of conflict; release of prisoners of war and children, adherence to the UN Charter’s principles of Sovereignty ; ensuring that there is humanitarian assistance to those in need and post-conflict reconstruction, among others.

“The peace mission to Ukraine and Russia has concluded its first round of contacts with both warring parties in the conflict,” the statement said.

The Presidency also added that President Ramaphosa was encouraged by the warm reception the delegation received from the Presidents of Ukraine and Russia.

The African leaders' peace delegation includes Comoros President Azali Assoumani, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Senegalese President Macky Sall, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, special envoy of the President of the Republic of Congo Florent Nsiba, and special envoy of the President of Uganda Ruhakana Rugunda. The delegation arrived in Kiev on a peacekeeping mission on June 16 and, after meeting with President Zelensky, traveled to St. Petersburg to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 17. On behalf of the delegation, President Ramaphosa presented a 10-point plan that could advance the peace process in Ukraine. The delegation plans to continue consultations with the Russian side during the upcoming Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg in July.

According to VNA

Source: http://www.baohoabinh.com.vn/18/179068/Nam-Phi-tin-tuong-tien-trinh-hoa-binh-do-phai-bo-chau-Phi-thuc-day-tai-Ukraine.htm