Moscow A Strategic Partner, Relations At Optimal Level – Ramaphosa Ahead Of Russia-Africa Summit

Riyaz Patel

Bilateral relations between South Africa and the Russian Federation are at “optimal level” and continue to grow from strength to strength, President Cyril Ramaphosa said ahead of his departure to Sochi where the first Russia-Africa Summit is scheduled to convene on 23/24 October.

Ramaphosa said South Africa’s participation at the inaugural summit is in line with Pretoria’s foreign policy pillar of enhancing South-North Cooperation.

He underlined that Moscow is a strategic partner.

“One of the primary mechanisms for improving the bilateral relationship between the two countries and advancing South Africa’s development objectives is the Intergovernmental Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation (ITEC),” said South Africa’s president.

“The ITEC is the foundation for mutually beneficial trade and economic ties between the two countries.”

Ramaphosa and Putin also deepened relations by signing a Declaration on the Strategic Partnership between South Africa and the Russian Federation on the margins of