South Africa is prepared to play a mediating role in the Middle East conflict if requested, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Wednesday, signalling Pretoria’s readiness to support efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire and opening space for dialogue.

Speaking to local media on the sidelines of an energy conference in Cape Town, Ramaphosa said South Africa was “always ready” to contribute, including through mediation, should an opening emerge. He said Pretoria would use any such opportunity to push for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations, describing dialogue as the most effective route to ending the war.

The comments follow a South African government statement issued in late February that urged restraint and dialogue and warned that the escalation carried humanitarian, diplomatic and economic consequences beyond the region.

Ramaphosa also said the government was working to help South Africans stranded in the region, as disruption linked to the conflict has complicated travel and consular assistance for foreign nationals in parts of the Middle East.