President Zuma arrives in Russia

Friday, May 8, 2015

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has arrived in Moscow in the Russian Federation for the commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

The Presidency on Friday said President Zuma landed in Russia at the invitation of his counterpart President Vladimir Putin.

“The President will attend the annual Victory Day Celebrations tomorrow, which marks the then Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the Second World War.

“President Zuma will also hold bilateral discussions with President Putin on the sidelines of the Victory Day Celebrations,” said the Presidency.

The Presidency said the Presidential visit will further cement the strong and warm relations between South Africa and the Russian Federation, which are expressed through cooperation in political, economic, social, defence and security areas.

Earlier this year, the Russian Federation worked with South Africa to facilitate the historic repatriation of struggle heroes JB Marks and Moses Kotane to South Africa. They were reburied in the North West province.

President Zuma is accompanied by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and Defence and Military Veterans Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula. - SAnews.gov.za