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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday called for clarification on his remarks at a summit earlier in the week, insisting he did not support Russia over Ukraine.
“While I have declared President Putin and the Russian people ‘valued friends and allies,’ I do not envisage any particular country or nation as an enemy,” President Ramaphosa said in a statement.
“South Africa has been able to engage constructively with both Russia and Ukraine through its non-aligned policy,” the statement said.
Mr Ramaphosa made his first comments about being Russia’s ally during the BRICS summit in the Russian city of Kazan, hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Mr Ramaphosa’s comments came amid divisions within his own government, with the Democratic Alliance (DA), a former opposition party and now an uneasy coalition partner, saying it could not consider Russia or President Putin as allies. was inviting.
“South Africa has also maintained strong historical ties with the Russian Federation, while enjoying friendly diplomatic bilateral relations with Ukraine,” a statement released by the President’s Office on Sunday said.
On Monday, South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola will receive Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga, and the talks are expected to include visa exemptions for South African officials.
“This will enable South African officials to travel to Ukraine for the official peace talks without visa transportation obstacles,” the statement said. “This will preclude diplomatic relations with Ukraine. “This demonstrates South Africa’s commitment to strengthening its capabilities.”
South Africa has sought to project neutrality in the war between Russia and Ukraine, but has been accused of leaning toward Russia.
Close ties between the two countries date back to the apartheid era, when the Kremlin supported the African National Congress’ liberation struggles.
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