President Cyril Ramaphosa has underscored the importance of addressing escalating geopolitical tensions and armed conflicts around the globe. Ahead of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Ramaphosa affirmed that these pressing international issues would be central to his engagements with world leaders.
President Ramaphosa arrived in the United States over the weekend to attend the high-level UN General Assembly meetings, which officially commence on Tuesday. As South Africa’s head of state, his presence underscores the country’s continued commitment to multilateral diplomacy, peaceful conflict resolution, and global cooperation.
Speaking shortly after his arrival in New York, Ramaphosa stated that ongoing armed conflicts, humanitarian crises, and the erosion of global peace were of grave concern. He intends to raise these matters during closed-door and public discussions with international stakeholders.
Ramaphosa to Raise Alarm Over Conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and DRC
Among the key topics on Ramaphosa’s agenda are the protracted humanitarian crisis and alleged genocide in Gaza, ongoing conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the war in Ukraine. These crises, he noted, continue to inflict devastating harm on civilians and threaten regional stability.
“Geopolitical tensions and violent conflicts in several parts of the world will be raised at our meetings,” said Ramaphosa. “These are not just regional issues—they are global concerns that require urgent collective attention.”
His statements align with South Africa’s historical stance on peace, human rights, and the need for balanced global governance. As a nation that has itself overcome decades of internal strife, South Africa continues to advocate for negotiation, diplomacy, and inclusive solutions.
During the UN high-level meeting on the two-state solution, co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Ramaphosa is expected to reiterate South Africa’s strong support for the recognition of Palestine as an independent state.
“It’s wonderful to see so many countries surging forward to recognise the state of Palestine,” Ramaphosa said. “We will be participating in those discussions and making our position clear.”
South Africa has consistently supported the two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. Ramaphosa’s engagement in the dialogue affirms the country’s unwavering stance against occupation and its call for international justice.
True to South Africa’s constitutional values, Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of human rights, democracy, and multilateralism as cornerstones of a peaceful international order.
“We recommit ourselves to robust multilateralism, the peaceful resolution of conflict, and the unwavering protection of human rights,” Ramaphosa declared.
He added that meaningful change can only be achieved through inclusive global dialogue, international solidarity, and an unwavering commitment to international law.
Beyond his multilateral engagements, Ramaphosa is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with a number of heads of state and government. These talks will focus not only on diplomatic cooperation but also on economic partnerships and trade.
One of the significant events on his agenda is a business forum aimed at attracting foreign direct investment into South Africa. According to Ramaphosa, these engagements are crucial for unlocking economic growth and job creation back home.
“There will be meetings with businesspeople, and we’ll be engaging potential investors who are interested in opportunities in South Africa. That too is very important for our economic agenda,” he said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s participation in the 80th UNGA reflects South Africa’s continued role as a key voice for the Global South. His advocacy for justice in Gaza, peace in Africa, and multilateral diplomacy mirrors the principles that have guided South Africa’s foreign policy since the end of apartheid.
As tensions rise across the globe—from Eastern Europe to the Middle East and Africa—Ramaphosa’s presence in New York is not only a symbol of diplomatic engagement but also a call to action for world leaders to pursue peace over war, dialogue over division, and unity over isolation.
Source- EWN
