China and South Africa address Ukraine crisis
President Cyril Ramaphosa who spoke to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Friday, has faced enormous criticism after South Africa abstained during a recent UN vote on Russia invasion.
‘We expressed our concern about the conflict in Ukraine and the need to end hostilities and find a lasting peace. We discussed the need for humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine, and the plight of African students in Ukraine,” Ramaphosa said on Sunday.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying both countries held a very similar position on the Ukraine and believed “sovereign countries are entitled to independently decide on their own positions”. “Both sides support Russia and Ukraine in keeping the momentum of peace talks and settling disputes through dialogue and negotiations. The two leaders said they are ready to strengthen communication and co-ordination in this regard,” the ministry noted.
ANC MP Lindiwe Zulu last week said her government will never forget Russia’s role in fighting against the apartheid regime.
She said both countries – Ukraine and Russia – should be brought to the negotiation table and be able to find an amicable solution.
“Negotiations needed us to compromise and we did, to bring us the South Africa we have today…we called upon the parties to engage in peaceful negotiations. President Cyril Ramaphosa will speak to the president of Ukraine when he avails himself to speak. I can assure you that the president will speak to both sides,” she said. Ramaphosa addressed the crisis in a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin two weeks ago.
-0- PANA CU/MA 21Marxh2022
