Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on global food security and the Ukrainian crisis.
According to the Kremlin, Russia reiterated its readiness to provide large quantities of grain and fertilizer to African countries in need, including free deliveries.
Ramaphosa proposed to Putin the participation of a group of African leaders in possible discussions on the prospects for resolving the conflict with Ukraine, a proposal that was welcomed by the Russian president.
During the meeting, Putin assessed what he called the “destructive line pursued by the Kyiv regime”, adding that Russia has always been open to negotiations and political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis.
On the upcoming BRICS summit in August and the Russia-Africa summit in July, the two sides agreed to maintain close coordination to ensure proper preparation of these summits.
Furthermore, Putin and Ramaphosa also discussed the strategic partnership between the two countries and agreed to develop mutually beneficial relations in all areas.