President Cyril Ramaphosa has briefed Chinese President Xi Jin Ping on the African Leaders Peace Mission to Ukraine and Russia.
The leaders also discussed their cooperation at BRICS and preparations for the upcoming BRICS summit
President Ramaphosa noted the peace plan that has been proposed by China and affirmed South Africa’s and the African leader’s support of initiatives that are aimed at a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
President Xi Jin Ping commended the initiative by the African continent and acknowledged the impact the conflict has had on human lives and on food security in Africa.
The leaders also discussed their cooperation at BRICS and preparations for the upcoming BRICS summit. They both committed to working towards a successful summit.
Beijing issued a statement in February asking for a “political settlement” to the crisis, which Western countries warned could allow Russia to keep most of the area it has gained in Ukraine.
China claims to be a neutral party, but it has been chastised for failing to criticize Moscow’s onslaught.
Similarly, South Africa’s ruling party, which has had close relations to the Kremlin since the anti-apartheid struggle, has not criticised Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, claiming neutrality and preferring dialogue.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine, a major global source of wheat and other agricultural supplies, African countries have been severely impacted by increased grain prices.
The conflict had a broader influence on global trade.
