Belgium on Thursday urged South Africa to use its ties with Russia to help end the war in Ukraine, during a state visit by the Belgian king to Pretoria.
“Due to our strong historical ties with Russia, we would be happy if you use the communication channel to move forward on the road to peace,” Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib said during a press conference in Pretoria.
Lahbib accompanied Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde on a five-day state visit and their first visit to South Africa.
‘Key partners’ for peace
“We have always looked at South Africa as a key partner for peace and the defense of human rights,” said Lahbib.
President Cyril Ramaphosa responded by saying Pretoria was continuing to “use the channels we have with Russia … to talk about how the conflict can be resolved”.
The continental powerhouse has refused to condemn the Ukraine invasion that has largely isolated Moscow on the international stage, saying it wants to remain neutral and prefers dialogue to end the war.
Also read: ICC issues arrest warrant for Putin over Ukraine
The call came after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against President Vladimir Putin last Friday.
The ICC warrant is “clearly a problem” South Africa’s Foreign Minister, Naledi Pandor, told local media on the sidelines of a visit to government offices in Pretoria.
Summit of Brazil, Russia, India, China and SA
South Africa is scheduled in August to host the BRICS summit – the bloc that brings together Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
Pandor confirmed Putin had been invited to the summit.
South Africa is a member of the ICC and would be expected to execute an arrest warrant if Putin were to step foot in the country.
Also read: ‘People’s Court’ calls for Putin to be indicted, prosecuted
Pandor said the cabinet will meet “to decide exactly how we respond”.
Last month, Pretoria held controversial joint military exercises with Russia and China.
South Africa’s relationship with Russia dates back decades when the Kremlin supported the ruling African National Congress in its fight against apartheid.