ANKARA

South Africa’s president on Friday expressed his country’s commitment to supporting the dialogue process between Russia and Ukraine.

In a phone call, President Cyril Ramaphosa had a “constructive engagement” with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ramaphosa said on X.

“I look forward to hosting him in South Africa soon for a state visit,” he said, adding that they both agreed on “the urgent need for an inclusive peace process that involves all parties.”

“South Africa remains committed to supporting the dialogue process between Russia and Ukraine,” Ramaphosa added.

Also on X, Zelenskyy thanked Ramaphosa for South Africa’s support.

He stressed that no peace process can exclude Ukraine, and voiced hope to “achieve a just and lasting peace this year.”

“South Africa’s voice matters, and we count on its support,” he added.

Their conversation took place days after US and Russian diplomats met in Saudi Arabia to discuss several issues, including ending the Ukraine war, which is now nearly three years old.

Ukraine was not included in the meeting.