Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy touched down in South Africa on Thursday for an official visit with President Cyril Ramaphosa to discuss bilateral cooperation and peace diplomacy, just as his country was attacked overnight by Russia.

This is the first visit from a Ukrainian head of State since South Africa cemented formal diplomatic relations with the Eastern European country 33 years ago.

Zelenskyy’s “historic” trip will be cut short owing to the attack on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv, but his Foreign Affairs Minister will remain to carry out the scheduled meetings.

“The strikes must be stopped immediately and unconditionally. We also count on support in humanitarian matters – in the return of our prisoners and Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. I am cancelling part of the programme for this visit and will return to Ukraine immediately after the meeting with the President of South Africa,” Zelenskyy posted on X.

His visit comes after Ramaphosa held conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, both of whom have committed to ending the conflict with a peaceful resolution, Ramaphosa said.

“South Africa stands ready to continue to support all credible and inclusive multilateral efforts aimed at achieving a just, sustainable and comprehensive peace. Today, President Zelenskyy and I re-affirmed the bonds of friendship and solidarity that exist between our two countries. We look forward to continued engagement and cooperation that benefits our peoples and our countries,” stated Ramaphosa.

The Presidents’ discussions centred on consolidating and deepening bilateral relations; expanding relations in peace diplomacy; post-conflict reconstruction and development; the empowerment of women; and opportunities in agriculture, trade, education, infrastructure and social exchanges.

Ramaphosa acknowledged Zelenskyy’s effort to expand relations in Africa, with the provision of grain to food-stressed areas in West and East Africa, with the expansion of agricultural cooperation, and with the opening of a grain hub at the Port of Mombasa, in Kenya.

He noted that these were outcomes from the 2023 African Peace Initiative, held in Kyiv.

Ramaphosa emphasised the discussions on peace in Africa, Ukraine and other countries, and said South Africa was concerned about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

“South Africa believes that the only path to peace is through diplomacy, inclusive dialogue, and a commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter. This includes the principle that all member States shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means. From the experience of our own journey from apartheid to democracy, we value the importance of engaging all parties to conflicts to achieve peaceful, just and enduring solutions. If there is one thing that our history has taught us, it is that diplomacy and dialogue are more powerful than any weapon,” Ramaphosa said.

He noted Ukraine’s support during Apartheid, through the training and education of exiled South Africans and expressed appreciation during Zelenskyy’s visit.