Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is planning to visit the Republic of South Africa (RSA) on an official visit in the coming months. This was reported by the local publication Business Day on April 7, citing the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the RSA, Naledi Pandor.
The visit is expected to strengthen the already friendly relations between Ukraine and South Africa and open up new opportunities for cooperation in various fields. This will be the first official visit of President Zelensky to the RSA since taking office in 2019.
According to Minister Pandor, the visit is a testament to the growing partnership between the two countries and reflects the mutual desire to deepen and diversify bilateral relations. She also expressed her hope that the visit will lead to the signing of several important agreements and memorandums of understanding between Ukraine and South Africa.
The RSA is an important partner for Ukraine in Africa, with strong economic ties and a shared commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region. The two countries have a long history of cooperation, dating back to the days of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa.
During his visit, President Zelensky is expected to meet with his counterpart, President Cyril Ramaphosa, as well as other high-level officials and business leaders. The agenda of the visit will focus on strengthening economic cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and tourism.
Ukraine sees great potential in expanding its trade with South Africa, which is the second-largest economy in Africa and a gateway to the continent. In 2020, the trade turnover between the two countries reached $1.2 billion, with a significant increase in Ukrainian exports. The visit is expected to further boost trade and investment between the two countries.
In addition to economic cooperation, the two countries will also discuss ways to enhance cultural and educational exchanges. Ukraine is known for its world-class education system, and South Africa has a growing demand for skilled professionals in various fields. The visit is an opportunity to explore potential partnerships and collaborations in the education sector.
The visit of President Zelensky to South Africa is also significant in terms of international cooperation. The two countries share similar positions on many global issues and have been working closely together in international organizations such as the United Nations and the African Union. The visit will provide an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss important global challenges and coordinate their efforts in addressing them.
The Ukrainian community in South Africa is also eagerly awaiting the visit of their President. The Ukrainian diaspora in South Africa has been actively promoting cultural and economic ties between the two countries and will play an important role in facilitating the visit.
In conclusion, the upcoming visit of President Zelensky to South Africa is a testament to the strong and growing partnership between the two countries. It is an opportunity to deepen economic, cultural, and political ties and explore new avenues for cooperation. The visit is expected to bring tangible benefits to both countries and further strengthen the friendship between the Ukrainian and South African people.