African countries interested to produce Ukrainian weapons on their territories - FM Kuleba

Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba said this at a panel discussion at the Defense Industries Forum, Interfax-Ukraine reports.

"Africa was one of the largest markets for Ukrainian military products before the outbreak of a full-scale war. Today, Africa is waiting for Ukrainian companies to return to this market to sell weapons. So far, this option is, of course, closed," Kuleba said.

According to him, while talking to the leader of an African country, he looked him in the eye and said: "You've already been sent so many weapons, you definitely don't need so many. Perhaps you could share some with us?" According to Kuleba, Africa has a different perception of our needs.

The second interest that Africa has shown is actually the placement of Ukrainian weapons and ammunition production in Africa.

"This is a new trend," Kuleba said. He believes that the demand for the sale and production of weapons made in Ukraine will be very high.

• Recently, the leaders of China and South Africa, Xi Jinping and Cyril Ramaphosa, stated that the "conflict" in Ukraine can only be resolved through dialogue and negotiations. Therefore, they indicated that they are committed to continuing to promote a political settlement.