On 4 September, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha held a productive phone conversation with Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa Ronald Lamola.

Minister Sybiha briefed his South African counterpart on the current situation on the battlefield and Ukraine’s ongoing peace efforts. He stressed that Ukraine remains committed to ending the war and achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, noting the important role that South Africa’s voice and engagement can play in supporting these efforts.

The Ministers also discussed the situation in the Black Sea, including threats to freedom of navigation and global food security. The Ukrainian side emphasized that ensuring safe and uninterrupted navigation is particularly important for maintaining reliable food supplies to countries across Africa and expressed hope for South Africa’s continued engagement on this issue.

Andrii Sybiha thanked Minister Lamola for South Africa’s attention to the issue of returning Ukrainian children unlawfully deported and transferred by Russia and underlined the importance of continued engagement on this humanitarian matter.

The Ministers exchanged views on key issues of the bilateral agenda and discussed ways to build on the positive momentum in Ukraine–South Africa relations and deepen practical cooperation between the two countries.

They also coordinated upcoming bilateral contacts and possible meetings on the sidelines of international events.

Minister Sybiha reiterated his invitation to Minister Ronald Lamola to visit Ukraine.