On Friday, U.S. President Joe Biden and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa are scheduled to meet at the White House to discuss a variety of topics, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine and climate change.
In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Ramaphosa is one of the African presidents who has kept a neutral posture. South Africa abstained from a UN vote that criticized Russia’s actions and called for a negotiated resolution.
Pandor noted that when South Africa attends the U.N. General Assembly’s annual conference next week, the country will be focused on the problem.
We would like to see a diplomatic process begin between the two parties, and we think the U.N. should take the lead, specifically the secretary-general.
The White House meeting follows U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s trip to South Africa earlier this month, during which he stated that the Biden administration views the 54 countries of Africa as “equal partners” in addressing world issues.
