Russia and South Africa pledge closer economic cooperation

The two countries’ foreign ministers have emphasized multilateral coordination at BRICS and the UN

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola on Wednesday in Moscow. Following the meeting both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

Lamola has arrived in the Russian capital to chair the South African delegation at the 18th session of the Mixed Intergovernmental Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation.

According to a statement from Russia’s Foreign Ministry, the talks covered “a range of issues related to further strengthening traditionally friendly Russian-South African relations.” 

“The ministers reaffirmed Moscow and Pretoria’s unwavering commitment to effectively coordinate actions at BRICS, the G20, the UN and in other multilateral formats in view to finding best solutions to current global and regional problems, in accordance with the principles of international law and the provisions of the UN Charter,” the press service of Russian Foreign Ministry said in the statement.

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As part of his working visit, Minister Lamola also participated in a session of the Russia–South Africa Business Council, held under the auspices of Business Russia. The event gathered representatives of South African government bodies, Russian companies, and business associations.

Pavel Titov, President of Business Russia, told participants that cooperation with South Africa ranks among the organization’s top “priorities.” He noted that Russian entrepreneurs regularly submit B2B inquiries regarding the African nation.

He also revealed that discussions are underway on the use of national currencies for mutual settlements and the potential establishment of direct air connections. 

Lamola stressed to the council meeting the importance of expanding and diversifying bilateral trade. “We must look beyond traditional sectors and seek new opportunities for co-operation in advanced innovations, sustainable development and business transformation,” he said.

Russia’s achievements in aerospace, energy, metallurgy, and high technology as potential areas where South Africa could benefit—particularly in terms of “security, industrialisation and infrastructure modernisation,” according to the minister.

READ MORE: South Africa seeking to deepen ties with Russia – foreign minister

Speaking to RT, Lamola said his delegation also came to Russia to honor the legacy of anti-Apartheid figures Moses Kotane and J.B. Marks, both of whom are buried in Moscow.