Africa–Russia Relationship is 'Win–Win Partnership': SA Expert
Africa–Russia Relationship is 'Win–Win Partnership': SA Expert
Direct Russia–Africa trade bypasses "unstable choke points," like Gulf of Aden, Suez Canal, and Strait of Hormuz, reducing costs and delivery times, Dr. Oscar van Heerden, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Johannesburg, told Sputnik Africa.
According to the expert, key benefits of direct Russian supplies include:
🟠Russian grain and fertilizer would counter inflationary pressures, averting crisis;
🟠Russia's container line—linking Russian ports directly to Durban in SA—aims to triple the current $1.3 billion bilateral trade;
🟠Russia enables South-South trade—bypassing some of the European nodes—by developing the North-South corridor;
🟠Russia provides counterterrorism security.
"Russia is seen as offering non-interference and unconditional support. It's free from political and economic strings attached to Western aid," the expert added.
Moreover, engaging Russia restores "bargaining power" by providing alternatives and strategic options in a more multipolar world, counterbalancing "Western dominance," he noted.
Watch the video to learn more about why African countries are interested in receiving Russian products directly and which goods are a priority.
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