https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250619/president-putin-to-meet-with-south-african-vice-president-paul-mashatile-on-thursday-1074423098.html
President Putin to Meet with South African Vice President Paul Mashatile on Thursday
President Putin to Meet with South African Vice President Paul Mashatile on Thursday
Sputnik Africa
On Wednesday, Mashatile met with the Prime Minister of Russia, Mikhail Mishustin. During the meeting, he stated that South Africa is interested in doubling the... 19.06.2025, Sputnik Africa
2025-06-19T09:00+0200
2025-06-19T09:00+0200
2025-06-19T09:00+0200
russia-africa cooperation
vladimir putin
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Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to meet with South African Vice President Paul Mashatile at the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.Russia–South Africa Relations at a GlanceThe upcoming meeting reflects the steady evolution of Russia–South Africa relations over the past three decades. Though formal diplomatic ties were only established in 1992, the relationship between the two countries has roots in the Cold War era, when the Soviet Union supported the South African liberation movement during the apartheid period.Over the years, high-level engagement has remained consistent. Notably, President Vladimir Putin’s official visit to South Africa in 2006 marked a milestone as the first by a Russian head of state to sub-Saharan Africa. Since then, leaders from both nations have maintained regular dialogue, with meetings often held on the sidelines of BRICS, G20, and Russia-Africa summits. The 2013 BRICS summit in Durban and subsequent summits in Sochi, St. Petersburg, and Kazan have served as key platforms for reaffirming a comprehensive strategic partnership.Economically, bilateral trade has shown positive growth, particularly in energy, mining, agriculture, and infrastructure. Russian companies are increasingly active in South Africa’s energy and metallurgical sectors, while South African firms are investing in Russia’s food and beverage markets. In 2025 alone, bilateral trade rose by over 30% year-on-year, with both countries exploring new projects in renewable energy and nuclear technology.Military-technical cooperation is also on the rise, with joint exercises, arms maintenance initiatives, and training programs taking shape. In the scientific and educational spheres, Russia and South Africa collaborate on space research, nuclear science, and academic exchange programs. Russia annually offers hundreds of scholarships to South African students, supporting studies in engineering, physics, and technology.Both countries share a commitment to building a multipolar global order and often align on key issues within the UN and BRICS frameworks. South Africa has maintained a neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict, positioning itself as a potential mediator and participating in peace initiative dialogues.
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russia-africa cooperation, vladimir putin, mikhail mishustin, south africa, russia, moscow, brics, united nations (un), southern africa, economy, soviet union (ussr), mining
russia-africa cooperation, vladimir putin, mikhail mishustin, south africa, russia, moscow, brics, united nations (un), southern africa, economy, soviet union (ussr), mining
President Putin to Meet with South African Vice President Paul Mashatile on Thursday
On Wednesday, Mashatile met with the Prime Minister of Russia, Mikhail Mishustin. During the meeting, he stated that South Africa is interested in doubling the volume of trade with Russia and attracting Russian investments into its energy sector.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to meet with South African Vice President Paul Mashatile at the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Russia–South Africa Relations at a Glance
The upcoming meeting reflects the steady evolution of Russia–South Africa relations over the past three decades. Though formal diplomatic ties were only established in 1992, the relationship between the two countries has roots in the Cold War era, when the Soviet Union supported the South African liberation movement during the apartheid period.
Over the years, high-level engagement has remained consistent. Notably, President Vladimir Putin’s official visit to South Africa in 2006 marked a milestone as the first by a Russian head of state to sub-Saharan Africa. Since then, leaders from both nations have maintained regular dialogue, with meetings often held on the sidelines of BRICS, G20, and Russia-Africa summits. The 2013 BRICS summit in Durban and subsequent summits in Sochi, St. Petersburg, and Kazan have served as key platforms for reaffirming a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Economically, bilateral trade has shown positive growth, particularly in energy, mining, agriculture, and infrastructure. Russian companies are increasingly active in South Africa’s energy and metallurgical sectors, while South African firms are investing in Russia’s food and beverage markets. In 2025 alone, bilateral trade rose by over 30% year-on-year, with both countries exploring new projects in renewable energy and nuclear technology.
Military-technical cooperation is also on the rise, with joint exercises, arms maintenance initiatives, and training programs taking shape. In the scientific and educational spheres, Russia and South Africa collaborate on space research, nuclear science, and academic exchange programs. Russia annually offers hundreds of scholarships to South African students, supporting studies in engineering, physics, and technology.
Both countries share a commitment to building a multipolar global order and often align on key issues within the UN and BRICS frameworks. South Africa has maintained a neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict, positioning itself as a potential mediator and participating in peace initiative dialogues.
