On the 7th of November Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, held a telephone conversation with the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, Ronald Lamola.

Minister Sybiha briefed his South African counterpart on the consequences of Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s energy system and expressed gratitude to South Africa for its continued support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Minister also drew attention to the illegal recruitment by Russia of citizens from African countries, including South Africa, to participate in its war of aggression against Ukraine.

Both sides discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on the upcoming high-level engagements within the framework of South Africa’s  G20 Presidency.

Minister Sybiha conveyed Ukraine’s appreciation for South Africa’s support of Ukraine’s candidacy to the UNESCO Executive Board for 2025–2029 and extended an invitation to Minister Lamola to visit Ukraine.