Episode Details

In late April 2025, the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was welcomed to Pretoria’s Union Buildings by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for a historic visit, the first by a Ukrainian head of state in 33 years since the post-apartheid establishment of diplomatic relations. The visit comes at a pivotal time in the history of Ukraine, signalling a dramatic improvement in the once-strained relations between the two nations. Her Excellency Liubov Abravitova, Ambassador of Ukraine to South Africa joined Thelma Hlongwane in studio to speak about the outcomes and key messages stemming from the recent historic visit of the President of Ukraine, H.E. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to the Republic of South Africa. This visit marked an important milestone in the development of bilateral relations between our two countries and opened a new chapter of dialogue on a range of strategic issues—political cooperation, global security, economic engagement, and cultural exchange. Ambassador Abravitova also sharedinsights into the visit's significance, Ukraine’s vision for its partnership with South Africa, and our commitment to meaningful engagement with the African continent.