On Sunday, October 27, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha began his visit to the Republic of South Africa by meeting with the Ukrainian community in South Africa.

The meeting started with the performance of the national anthem of Ukraine and a moment of silence in memory of the fallen defenders.

The Minister expressed gratitude to Ukrainians in South Africa for their powerful voice in support to Ukraine and especially commended the unity of the Ukrainian community in South Africa.

He thanked our compatriots for preserving the traditions, language and culture of our people far from their native land, promoting the truth about Ukraine and Russian aggression, implementing many successful projects in the field of public and cultural diplomacy.

The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the importance of the development of relations between Ukraine and South Africa, briefed about the struggle of our country against Russian aggression and the path to a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace. He underscored that defeating the aggressor and restoring peace requires the consolidation of the efforts of all our partners and all our people, both in our homeland and beyond.

"I want you to feel that even though you live outside of Ukraine, you are definitely not outside of our common struggle for freedom, not outside of current processes. On the contrary, your activity is an important bridge when it comes to our friendly bilateral relations with South Africa and other African states," noted Andrii Sybiha.

The Minister informed about the implementation of the new state policy regarding Ukrainians abroad, in particular, the simplification of access to consular procedures and the preparation for the adoption of the law on multiple citizenship.

During the meeting, there was an exchange of views on the current needs of the Ukrainian community in South Africa. Andrii Sybiha assured the readiness of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to contribute in every way to the protection of the legal rights and interests of Ukrainians in South Africa, to continue the implementation of important joint projects in cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the community and the World Ukrainian Congress.

Leaders of the Ukrainian community in South Africa, in particular the president of the NGO "Ukrainian Association in South Africa" Kateryna Alioshyna and the vice-president of the association Lesia Karpenko, representative of the Ukrainians World Congress in Africa Dzvinka Kachur, addressed to the participants of the meeting.

Ambassador of Ukraine to South Africa Liubov Abravitova emphasized the importance of effective interaction with Ukrainians in South Africa and in other African states, and also highlighted that diplomats will continue to be a reliable bridge for Ukrainians abroad with their country.

The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanked the community, the UWC and the Embassy team for their solidarity and activity, expressed his sincere admiration for the implemented and planned projects, confirmed the readiness of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for further support for the development of Ukraine's relations with South Africa and the countries of the African continent in general.