Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) has expressed support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit
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In a pivotal moment amidst escalating global tensions, Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) has expressed robust support for the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to South Africa.
On Thursday, Zelenskyy touched down in South Africa on for talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa. The discussions are focused on strengthening bilateral relations and seeking diplomatic solutions to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
BUSA CEO Khulekani Mathe articulated the significance of Zelenskyy's visit, emphasising its alignment with South Africa’s commitment to international peace initiatives.
"The visit by Ukrainian President Zelenskyy this week is an important visit for South Africa, given what is happening in that part of the world, the tensions that are ongoing in that region, and the role that South Africa seeks to play in trying to resolve those tensions," Mathe told Newzroom Afrika.
From a business perspective, Mathe noted that strengthening relations with Ukraine could unveil new economic opportunities for South Africa.
Various political parties and economists have also urged the government to diversify its export markets and strengthen trade relationships with other countries, particularly as relations with South Africa's second-largest trading partner, the United States, continue to worsen.
"From our point of view as business, obviously, in a world in which there are tensions and in a world where the trade environment is changing rapidly, being able to normalise relations in that region and agreeing to cooperation with Ukraine is important because it opens another market for South Africa."
IOL Business