By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Plans have been concluded for a meeting between South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Joe Biden on Friday, where the former is expected to press for more negotiations between Russia and Ukraine to end the war, his aides have announced.
Ramaphosa is among the African leaders who have stood on the fence on the war, with South Africa abstaining from a UN vote condemning Russia’s actions, calling for a mediated settlement instead.
South Africa’s International Affairs Minister, Naledi Pandor, said Ramaphosa would emphasize the need for dialogue during meetings with Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
She added that this also will be the country’s focus when it participates at the UN General Assembly next week.
“We would want a process of diplomacy to be initiated between the two parties and we believe the UN must lead, the UN Secretary-General in particular,” Pandor said.
“We did indicate that we were pleased that the negotiations on the transportation of grain had proceeded well and grain has begun to be transported,” Pandor said. “But in the context of the General Assembly, we will insist that there needs to be a greater effort at finding a resolution on this terrible conflict and that the only way to do so would really be through a negotiated settlement.”
Ramaphosa is also expected to travel to the UK to attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on Monday.
