South Africa To Discuss Position On Russia-Ukraine Conflict With US

President Cyril Ramaphosa is all set to send an envoy to the United States to discuss South Africa's position in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Officials have not yet revealed the name of the envoy who will visit the U.S. on behalf of the county.

When asked about the envoy's name who will be representing South Africa in the U.S., Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya denied answering, as per News24.

Magwenya, instead, diverted the media's attention toward Lunga Ngqengelele, spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation for further questions. However, Ngqengelele also didn't confirm the name of the person appointed by President Ramaphosa.

ANC NEC member Obed Bapela disclosed that the person chosen for the task would not only be well-experienced but also highly regarded.

"Most [of the] time, it will be people who are high[ly] seasoned, such as former ministers, those who were in exile in the USA, as they will know the Black Caucus, the leadership of former anti-apartheid [organizations] in the USA, the leadership of the US, in both the Democratic and Republican parties and prominent individual influencers in the society," Bapela told the outlet.

South Africa's position in the continuing Russia-Ukraine conflict is important, considering the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 18. This came at a time when Putin is scheduled to visit South Africa in August to attend the BRICS conference.

BRICS is an acronym for leading emerging economies in the world, including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. South Africa and Russia have shared diplomatic relations since 1942. Russia has a consulate-general in Cape Town and an embassy in Pretoria while South Africa's embassy is in Moscow.

President Ramaphosa has previously praised one of the BRICS members, China, for its "non-interference" policy in the Russia-Ukraine war.

"South Africa applauds China's principled foreign policy posture based on the principles of non-interference and mutual benefit," Ramaphosa said last month. "We are keen that these principles are strengthened and directed at developmental initiatives that are critical for our collective success as nations of the south."

During Belgium's King Philippe and Queen Mathilda's visit to Pretoria last month, President Ramaphosa once again mentioned the ongoing Russia and Ukraine war, affirming South Africa's desire to find a "peaceful solution to the crisis," as per SANews.

"We look forward to sharing our perspectives on the conflict during our meeting, and to learning more about Belgium's stance," Ramaphosa added.

While South Africa has emphasized the need for a peaceful solution, the South African Zionist Federation called on the government to take a stance against Russia for invading Ukraine.

Formed in 1898, the Johannesburg-based South African Zionist Federation is known for advocating Israel and Zionism in the country.

Ramaphosa reportedly decided to send someone to discuss key issues with the U.S. as R400 billion in trade depends on it.

Intellidex Chairman Stuart Theobald noted last week that Russia and South Africa have "very little economic relationship," even as South Africa exports 50 times more to the United States, BusinessTech reported.

Russia and South Africa trade rose by 16.4% last year compared to 2021 as it reached $1.3 billion, as per Russia Briefing. The United States, on the other hand, traded $13.2 billion in total with South Africa, as per a 2019's United States Trade Representative report.