Andrii Sybiha Addresses The Spier Dialogue Forum
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, delivered a remote address at The Spier Dialogue forum, currently taking place in South Africa. His speech focused on three key areas: Ukraine’s peace efforts, Africa’s evolving global role, and the potential for cooperation between Ukraine and African nations. Sybiha stressed that Africa’s voice carries significant weight in today’s world, as the continent’s global influence continues to expand.
Sybiha highlighted South Africa’s historical experience in overcoming apartheid, underscoring the value of international collaboration. He also recalled his participation in unveiling a memorial plaque honoring Hennadiy Udovenko at Freedom Park in Pretoria—Udovenko had served as Vice-Chair of the UN Special Committee against Apartheid. The minister noted that the African peace mission is an initiative led by six countries: South Africa, Egypt, Senegal, Zambia, the Republic of the Congo, and Uganda.
Ukraine’s Peace Initiatives and Cooperation with Africa
In discussing Ukraine’s peace efforts, Sybiha mentioned that in December of last year, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution demanding that Russia return abducted children to Ukraine. South Africa supported this resolution, reflecting a shared stance on humanitarian aid and human rights.
As of early 2026, under the 'Grain from Ukraine' initiative, over 300,000 tons of agricultural products have been delivered to 13 countries in Asia and Africa. Total trade turnover between Ukraine and African nations in 2025-2026 reached $4.23 billion USD. To strengthen ties, Ukraine has opened eight new embassies across the African continent.
“We can mutually reinforce each other. We can also help develop the self-sufficiency of our African partners. One of the lessons we have learned from the war is the need to be self-reliant.” - Andrii Sybiha
The Spier Dialogue forum thus served as a platform for discussing key issues relevant to both Ukraine and Africa, highlighting opportunities for deeper collaboration in areas such as agriculture, education, healthcare, digitalization, energy, and food security.
Sybiha’s address at The Spier Dialogue underscores the importance of strengthening ties between Ukraine and African nations amid global challenges. By recognizing Africa’s growing role on the world stage, he emphasized the potential for mutually beneficial engagement. This partnership could lay the groundwork for advancing economic, social, and humanitarian relations—especially critical in light of current international challenges and the need for stability.
In light of Ukraine's ongoing peace initiatives, it is essential to explore the broader context of international cooperation. Recently, Andrii Sybiha highlighted three key areas for enhancing Europe's role in peace efforts, emphasizing the interconnectedness of regional stability and global diplomacy. To delve deeper into these priorities and understand their implications, read more about Sybiha's insights on Europe's contribution to peacebuilding here.