14 June 2022
In celebration of the National Day of Russia, His Excellency Ambassador Ilya Rogachev of Russia to the Republic of South Africa hosted Representatives of the South African Government, members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited in Pretoria, business, civil society and Russians living in South African at his residence in Pretoria on Monday 13 June 2022.
Russia Day also known as the Day of adoption of the declaration of state sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federation Socialist Republic (RSFSR) before 2002, is the national holiday of the Russian Federation.
It has been celebrated annually on June 12, since 1992. The passage of this Declaration by the First Congress of People’s Deputies marked the beginning of constitutional reforms in the Russian Soviet state.
In his welcoming remarks on the occassion of the National Day of Russia celebration, Russia’s Ambassador to South Africa H.E. Mr.Ilya Rogachev noted that over a relatively short period of past three decades, Russia dramatically changed the situation in terms of strengthening its statehood, improving its economic standing, and enhancing prosperity and well-being of its citizens.
“We consistently focused our efforts on making Russia a truly independent country, where state power is derived from political stability, common goals and the consolidation of society. As a result, we have achieved a high degree of resilience that allows us to be confident of continued growth of our country’s and people’s welfare despite the impact of the current political and economic upheavals,” Ambassador Rogachev said.
His Excellency Ambassador Ilya Rogachev of Russia to the Republic of South Africa expressed confidence that the two countries will continue to develop their ties successfully for the benefit of both countries, international peace and security.
Honourable Minister of Employment and Labour of South Africa and acting Minister of Public Service and Administration Mr.Thembelani represented the South African Government, congratulated the Russians on the state holiday and expressed the desire of South Africa to preserve and enhance the good traditions of relations with Russia.
Hon. Minister Nxesi said that Russia has had a long-standing historical links and political relationship with South Africa and the historical links between South Africa and the Russian Federation are strong. Direct contacts between the former USSR and the ANC were established on a regular basis during 1963. In the era of the USSR, the latter was one of the key supporters of the struggle for liberation in South Africa.
With the dissolution of the USSR, South Africa became the first African state to recognise the independence of the Russian Federation said Minister TW Nxesi of Employment and Labour.
Full diplomatic relations were established between South Africa and the Russian Federation on 28 February 1992 and this year Russia and South Africa celebrates the milestone of 30 years of Diplomatic Relations.
This year’s celebrations come amid Russia’s war with the Ukraine.
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