South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, will on Friday, meet with his United States counterpart, Joe Biden, in talks which his aides say will see him press for more negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
Ramaphosa who left for the US on Thursday, is among a few African leaders who have maintained a neutral stance on the war.
His neutral stance also saw South Africa abstaining from a UN vote condemning Russia’s actions and calling for a mediated settlement.
In a statement issued on behalf of the President by South Africa’s International Relations Minister, Naledi Pandor, Ramaphosa said he would emphasize the need for dialogue during meetings with Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
The statement added that the meeting will also be the country’s focus when it participates at the UN General Assembly next week, she said.
“The meeting will emphasise a process of diplomacy to be initiated between the two parties and we believe the UN must lead, the UN secretary-general in particular,” Pandor said.
“We did indicate that we were pleased that the negotiations on the transportation of grain had proceeded well and grain has begun to be transported.
“But in the context of the General Assembly, we will insist that there needs to be greater effort at finding a resolution on this terrible conflict and that the only way to do so would really be through a negotiated settlement,” the statement said.