Ukraine’s foreign minister kicks off Southern Africa tour ahead of SADC summit
With just a few days until Zimbabwe hosts the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit, one of the bloc’s biggest annual gatherings, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister has begun his tour of Africa, with planned visits to at least two SADC member states: Malawi and Zambia. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, the head of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is the first to visit Southern Africa in this capacity.
This marks Kuleba’s fourth tour of Africa, scheduled from August 4 to 8, during which he is also expected to travel to Mauritius.
During his visit, Mr. Kuleba will engage in talks with heads of state, foreign ministers, and representatives from business and cultural circles. The discussions will focus on developing bilateral relations and involving African nations in efforts to restore a just peace in Ukraine.
In Malawi, the talks will center on food security, including the exchange of experience and technologies in agriculture, as well as the humanitarian program “Grain From Ukraine”【source: Aljazeera】.
In Zambia, discussions are expected to focus on bilateral relations and cooperation within international organizations.
Several African countries, particularly in Southern Africa, which is still largely influenced by revolutionary political parties, share close ties with Russia and President Vladimir Putin.
Most African nations, including Zimbabwe—which is expected to be the next chair of SADC—have called for the silencing of guns between Ukraine and Russia and urged dialogue.
During a recent visit to Russia in June, Zimbabwe’s President, the incoming SADC chair, informed President Putin that he believes the conflict between Ukraine and Russia can be resolved through dialogue.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa described President Putin as ‘his brother’ but has also emphasized that Zimbabwe is “a friend to everyone and an enemy to none.”
It remains to be seen whether Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba will include Harare in his itinerary during his fifth visit to Africa and hold discussions with the SADC chairperson at that time.
