The US president, Joe Biden, will meet South African leader Cyril Ramaphosaat the White House on Friday for talks that will include Russia’s war in Ukraine, climate issues, trade and more, Associated Press reports.
Ramaphosa is among African leaders who have maintained a neutral stance in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with South Africa abstaining from a UN vote condemning Russia’s actions and calling for a mediated settlement.
South Africa’s international relations minister, Naledi Pandor, said Ramaphosa would emphasise the need for dialogue to find an end to the conflict during his meeting with Biden and in separate talks with vice-president Kamala Harris.
The White House meeting comes after the secretary of state, Antony Blinken, visited South Africa last month, where he said the Biden administration sees Africa’s 54 nations as “equal partners” in tackling global problems.
But the administration has been disappointed that South Africa and much of the continent have declined to follow the US in condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
More to follow….