On Thursday, Belgium called on South Africa to utilize its association with Russia to help end the war in Ukraine, during a state visit by the Belgian king to Pretoria.
Given your strong historical links with Russia we would be delighted if you consider using your channels of communication to advance on a path towards peace.”
Hadja Lahbib-Belgian Foreign Minister said during a press conference in Pretoria.
Lahbib is accompanying Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde during their five-day and first state visit to South Africa.
We have always looked up to South Africa as a key partner for peace and the defense of human rights.”
Lahbib said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa answered by saying Pretoria continues “to use the medium we have with Russia to talk about how the battle can be brought to an end”.
The continental powerhouse has declined to denounce the invasion of Ukraine which has mostly separated Russia on the international stage, saying it wants to stay impartial and prefers conversation to end the war. The call came after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin last Friday.
The ICC warrant is a matter that is of concern South Africa’s Foreign Minister, Naledi Pandor, told local media on the sidelines of the visit to the chair of the government in Pretoria.
South Africa is due in August to host a summit of the BRICS. Pandor assured Putin has been invited to the summit. South Africa is a member of the ICC and will be expected to execute the arrest warrant if Putin landed in the country.
Pandor said the cabinet will meet to determine exactly how we respond. Last month Pretoria held a controversial joint military drill with Russia and China.
