Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibikha met with the Ukrainian community during his visit to South Africa.
This was revealed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, as reported by Ukrinform.
The Minister thanked Ukrainians in South Africa for their strong voice in support of Ukraine, and made special mention of the unity of the Ukrainian community in South Africa.
He defended the traditions, language and culture of the Ukrainian people far from his homeland, spread the truth about the invasion of Ukraine and Russia, and carried out many successful projects in the field of public and cultural diplomacy. expressed his gratitude.
The Minister emphasized the importance of developing relations between Ukraine and South Africa and discussed Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression and the path to an inclusive, just and sustainable peace.
He stressed that defeating the aggressor and restoring peace requires the efforts of all partners in the Motherland and around the world, as well as the unity of the entire Ukrainian people.
“Even if you live outside Ukraine, I want you to feel that we are not outside the common struggle for freedom, nor are we outside the current process. On the contrary, your activities “South Africa is an important bridge in friendly bilateral relations with other African countries,” said Sibiha.
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The Minister informed the participants about the implementation of the new national policy regarding Ukrainians abroad, including the simplification of access to consular procedures and preparations for the adoption of a law on dual citizenship.
During the meeting, views were exchanged on the current needs of the Ukrainian community in South Africa.
Mr. Sibiha assured the attendees that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is ready to support the protection of the legal rights and interests of Ukrainians in South Africa, and that an important joint project involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, local communities and the World Council of Ukrainians is underway. He assured that implementation will continue. .
At the meeting, leaders of the Ukrainian community in South Africa spoke, as well as Katerina Alyoshina, president of the Ukrainian Association of South Africa, a public body, Lesia Karpenko, vice president, and Zyvinka Katyur, head of the World Congress of African Ukrainians.
The Ambassador of Ukraine to South Africa, Lyubov Aravbitova, emphasized the importance of effective interaction with Ukrainians in South Africa and other African countries, saying that diplomats will continue to serve as reliable bridges to the homeland for Ukrainians abroad. He emphasized that he will continue to fulfill his role.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed his gratitude to the local community, the World Council of Ukrainians and the embassy team for their solidarity and work, and expressed his true admiration for the projects implemented and planned, and for the relationship between Ukraine and South Africa and South Africa. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its determination to further support the development of Japan. African countries in general.
Sibiha has arrived for a visit to South Africa and will hold a series of meetings with senior officials in Johannesburg and Pretoria from October 27 to 28, Ukrinform reported.
