Putin, Ramaphosa Discuss Russia-South Africa Ties

Russian President Vladimir Putin and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa discussed bilateral relations, trade, and global issues on Friday on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in New Delhi, India.

Putin said Russia-South Africa relations were developing successfully, highlighting political dialogue, parliamentary ties, and cooperation in education and humanitarian affairs.

He said bilateral trade continued to grow and noted that Russia had increased its scholarship quota for South African students to 100 for the 2026-27 academic year.

Putin also said Moscow and Pretoria shared similar positions on major international and regional issues and thanked South Africa for supporting Russian initiatives at the United Nations.

Putin said Russia was preparing to host the third Russia-Africa summit in Moscow on October 28 and 29. He identified digital technologies, artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, payment systems, and food security among the priorities for the summit.

Ramaphosa thanked Putin for supporting South Africa’s G20 presidency and said bilateral trade could be expanded. He also welcomed continued cooperation between the two countries and said Pretoria would send a strong delegation to the Russia-Africa summit.

Putin arrived in India earlier on Friday to attend the 18th BRICS summit, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. He also held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was expected to meet Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Details of any new bilateral agreements reached during the Putin-Ramaphosa meeting were not provided.

SOURCE: AA