Ramaphosa announced on social media platform X that he had a phone call with US President Donald Trump Thursday morning.
Image: Se-Anne Rall
South Africa is to meet with the US “soon” to resolve bilateral differences over the status of the country, President Cyril Ramaphosa says.
Ramaphosa announced on social media platform X that he had a phone call with US President Donald Trump on Thursday morning. Part of the conversation included the fostering of peace in Ukraine.
The President also mentioned the phone call during a media briefing at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
“I spoke to US President Donald Trump to discuss the peace process in Ukraine. We both agreed that the war should be brought to an end as soon as possible to stop further unnecessary deaths.
“We both agreed to meet soon to address various matters regarding US-South Africa relations.
“We also spoke about the need to foster good relations between our two countries,” he said.
Since Trump returned to the White House in January, the US and South Africa's bilateral ties have drastically deteriorated.
In a sharp escalation of diplomatic tensions, Trump expelled South Africa’s ambassador and suspended financial aid, citing strong objections to the country’s land reform policies and its decision to pursue a genocide case against Israel - one of Washington’s key allies - at the International Court of Justice.
Ramaphosa hosted Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on his first official visit to the country. Zelenskyy is the first-ever president from Ukraine to visit South Africa.
But Zelensky had to cut short his inaugural visit to South Africa in response to a devastating overnight missile and drone assault on Kyiv by Russian forces.
According to local authorities, the attack claimed the lives of at least nine people and left more than 70 others injured, including children.
The strikes caused extensive damage across the capital.
In a statement posted on X, Zelensky announced that he would return to Ukraine immediately after his meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The visit was part of a broader diplomatic initiative to strengthen international support.
Zelensky emphasised that rescue efforts are ongoing and described the scale of destruction as "significant."
“Rescue operations are ongoing, and the rubble of residential buildings is being cleared. As of this moment, over 80 people have been injured across Ukraine.
“Everyone is receiving the necessary assistance. Regrettably, nine people have been killed in Kyiv. My condolences go out to their families and loved ones,” he said.
He called for the strikes to be stopped immediately and unconditionally.
“We also count on support in humanitarian matters - in the return of our prisoners and Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.
“I am canceling part of the program for this visit and will return to Ukraine immediately after the meeting with the President of South Africa,” he said.
The Foreign Minister of Ukraine will hold all the necessary meetings to fully inform the country’s political and civil society leaders about the situation, Zelenskyy said.
“I am grateful to everyone around the world who stands with Ukraine and supports our people,” he said.
Cape Times