Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma will visit Russia on Thursday for talks with his counterpart Vladimir Putin that will see a review of bilateral relations and an exchange of views on critical regional and global issues.
President Zuma will be accompanied by a delegation of cabinet ministers, including International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane; Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula; Tourism Minister Marthinus Van Schalkwyk; State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele; Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa and Energy Minister Dipuo Peters.
The visit, according to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation is guided by all relevant legal instruments and mechanisms such as the declaration of strategic partnership signed in March 2013 and the Protocol on Political Consultations signed in 1994, among others.
During the recent working visit of President Vladimir Putin in March 2013, which coincided with the BRICS summit, the two countries signed eight agreements in the fields of education, energy, defence, fisheries, mineral resources, transport and science and technology.
Bilateral trade and investment between the two countries has grown substantially in 2012 and the signing of the above-mentioned agreements provides an opportunity to further expand trade and investment and skills and technology exchange between the two countries.
South Africa regards Russia as a strategic partner and close bilateral and multilateral ties exist between the two countries.
The total trade between South Africa and Russia was around R3 5445 54080 in 2012.
Meanwhile, on Monday Russian presidential special envoy for cooperation with African countries Mikhail Margelov told Itar-Tass that Zuma’s visit shows the seriousness of the relationship that exists between the two countries.
He said South Africa is Russia’s important and valuable partner on the African continent and as a member of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).
“Russia’s participation in the BRICS summit [in South Africa] and the talks between President Vladimir Putin and the leaders of 20 African countries demonstrates that the motto saying "Russia returns to Africa" is being realised,” Margelov said.
“South Africa plays one of the key roles in this aspect,” he noted. -SAnews.gov.za-Itar-Tass
