Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba will visit three African countries this week to garner support for Kyiv’s stance in its ongoing conflict with Russia, according to his ministry’s announcement on Sunday.
The visit will be the Ukrainian foreign minister’s fourth tour of African countries since the war started, Reuters reported. Kuleba will travel to Malawi, Zambia, and Mauritius from August 4-8.
The statement reads:
“All meetings will focus on the development of bilateral relations based on mutual respect and interests. Among the key topics will be the participation of African states in global efforts to restore a just peace for Ukraine and the world,” it said.
The war in Ukraine has not halted Russia’s activities in Africa. Over the past year, the Wagner Group, in particular, has capitalized on the deteriorating relations between France, other Western countries, and Sahelian states.
Several African countries participated in a conference on Ukraine hosted by Switzerland in June. Still, they have generally been hesitant to join Western efforts to isolate Russia, a significant supplier of energy and commodities.
For instance, Burkina Faso is finalizing a nuclear deal with Russia’s Rosatom, specializing in nuclear energy and high-tech products. In line with Russia’s ambition to strengthen its influence on the continent, they are currently in the process of signing a roadmap to construct a nuclear reactor in the West African nation.
During his tour, Kuleba will also discuss the supply of Ukrainian grain to the region and explore opportunities for African companies to participate in the reconstruction of Ukraine, according to the ministry.
