CAPE TOWN - President Cyril Ramaphosa describes the Middle East conflict as calamitous and very concerning.
He worries that it could spread beyond the region to affect the world as a whole.
Ramaphosa said South Africa is clear in its desire for an immediate ceasefire, and stands ready to assist in any way possible to bring an end to the war in the Middle East.
READ | President Ramaphosa calls for dialogue as Middle East tensions escalate
Asked whether he had had an opportunity to speak to US President Donald Trump about the strike on Iran, Ramaphosa said a clear statement calling for an immediate ceasefire had been issued.
The conflict is set to make South Africa's ports a key player in global trade.
Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz and shipping companies are bound to look at our shores to keep marine traffic moving.
"Whenever there is turmoil in the world, we always find that we in the South always become a safe passage and we will give safe passage for goods and ships than can come via our shores. We are safe and solid when it comes to that," Ramaphosa said
Ayesha Ismail filed this report