Home

Refusal to take sides in the Russia-Ukraine conflict doesn’t favour Russia: Ramaphosa

Reading Time: 2 minutes

President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa is determined to resist calls to abandon its independent and non-aligned foreign policy.

In his weekly letter to the nation on Monday, Ramaphosa says he does not accept that South Africa’s refusal to take a side in the Russia-Ukraine conflict favours Russia nor that this stance should imperil relations with other countries.

His statement comes as the country remains embroiled in controversy over allegations that South Africa provided arms to Russia by way of a Russian vessel that docked in Simon’s Town last year.

Ramaphosa says that South Africa has strong and enduring relations with the US and UK and will be hosting the leaders of BRICS in August.

These interactions he says seek to contribute to the creation of conditions that make the achievement of a durable resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict possible.

He says the United Nations, despite it shortcomings, remains the only viable mechanism in striving for global peace and common development.

Author

MOST READ