South Africa affirmed its support Tuesday for efforts undertaken by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to encourage a peaceful settlement between Russia and Ukraine, Ednews reports citing Yeni Safak.
“South Africa if it can and the rest of the continent would want to play a role in such a process, but we really thank his Excellency President Erdogan for the leadership he has shown in seeking to end conflict in that region,” Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, said during a joint briefing with her Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in the capital Pretoria.
Pandor hosted Cavusoglu for a bilateral political consultation Tuesday where they discussed several issues.
In an earlier statement, Pandor conveyed President Cyril Ramaphosa and the government’s sincerest congratulations and best wishes to President Erdogan and the Turkish people for celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Republic.
“Please also allow me to express my deepest condolences on behalf of the South African government to the government and people of the Republic of Türkiye on the tragic loss of life as a result of the explosion which occurred in Istanbul on 13 November 2022,” she said.
Pandor also said her country remained steadfast in condemning all forms of violence and wished to extend its sympathy to those that were directly affected by this tragedy.
South Africa’s top diplomat further said that she is encouraged by the two countries’ mutual recognition of the importance of the values of peace and stability, democracy, the rule of law and the centrality of multilateralism in sustainable development.
“I see this as the beginning of an even greater partnership between Türkiye and South Africa,” Pandor said at the joint briefing.
