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Russia–Africa Summit Promotes Rapprochement Between Moscow and African Countries: SA Official

10:29, 4 August 2023

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Rasina Musallimova

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On July 27-28, Russia held the Second Russia–Africa Summit, which took place in St. Petersburg. The event brought together Russian and African leaders and senior officials, as well as representatives of business, NGOs and academia to discuss the prospects for strengthening cooperation between Russia and the continent.

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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's visit to Russia within the framework of the summit was successful and contributed to the rapprochement between Russia and South Africa, as well as the rest of the continent, Vincent Magwenya, an official representative of the president of South Africa said.

"Ramaphosa completed a successful working visit to Russia, where a clear call was made at the Russia–Africa Summit for substantive, mutually beneficial and effective cooperation between Russia and the countries of the African continent," he stressed.

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Magwenya also added that the president of South Africa welcomed the summit declaration, which contributes to strengthening cooperation in a number of strategic areas, including science and technology, energy, trade and investment, as well as the coordination of actions in the field of defense and security.

"Ramaphosa stressed the importance of a monitoring and evaluation mechanism that will monitor the level and pace of implementation of the commitments made at the summit," according to the official.

Magwenya noted that Ramaphosa concluded his visit to Russia with a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"The leaders discussed bilateral relations between South Africa and Russia, which are based on strategic partnership in a number of areas, including energy, industry and agriculture. The discussions were also aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the field of education, science and technology, with a special emphasis on the development of space and satellite technologies," the representative of the president underlined.

Among other issues, during the bilateral meeting, Putin and Ramaphosa held talks on the upcoming BRICS Summit in August.

"We are working closely and constructively within the framework of this association to deepen the strategic partnership of the entire group of five. I am confident that the meeting you [the South African authorities] are preparing now will be held at the highest level. I have no doubt about this. We will do everything we can to help and support you," Putin said to the South African leader.

In addition, African leaders and representatives discussed with Putin the African peace initiative on Ukraine on the sidelines of the summit.

On Thursday, Magwenya noted that progress in the implementation of this peace mission has been recognized during the meeting.