Photo: Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov with South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa
20 November 2021
Russia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Special Representative
of the President of the Russian Federation for the Middle East and
Africa, Mr Mikhail L. Bogdanov visited South Africa on an official visit
and met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, officials from the
Department of Trade and Industry,Deputy Minster of International Relations Mr Alvin Botes and the Heads of Mission from the Middle East countries accredited to the Republic of South Africa.
Photo: Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov meeting with South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes
Russia’s Deputy Minister Bogdanov (centre) and Russian Ambassador Ilya Rogachev (right) interacting with Heads of Mission of the Middle East represented in South Africa
South Africa and Russia enjoys cordial and bilateral relations. During the meeting with President Ramaphosa, the Deputy Foreign Minister
Mikhail Bogdanov and Special Representative of the President of the
Russian Federation, conveyed a message from President of the Russian
Federation Vladimir Putinas as well as discussed matters of mutual
interest and issues of future development between Russia-South Africa
relations. Issues of cooperation in trade, economy, science, technology,
culture, humanitarian sphere and other fields as well as the
reaffirmation of mutual commitment of Moscow and Pretoria in
strengthening and deepening trust on political dialogue and effectively
coordinating actions at various international organisations such as the
UN, BRICS and the G20 and the preparation for the Second Russia-Africa
Summit, scheduled for the autumn of 2022 were also discussed.
At a press briefing held in Pretoria, the Russia’s Deputy Foreign
Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said the purpose of his visit was to establish
the framework of the cooperation with Africa after the inaugural
Russia-Africa summit in 2019 as agreed, the summit will take place every
3 years with the 2022 meeting underway. The Minister thanked the media
for their attendance and for the valuable role of journalisim and looked
forward to media cooperation and the exchange of reporters and
correspondents between Russia and Africa.
When asked about the Russia’s historical relations and support for
Africa’s the Deputy Minister said Russia’s historical relations and
support for Africa’sliberation from the time of colonialism is well
documented, we are building mutual respect and trust through bilateral
and multilateral fora through our engagements and technical cooperation
through our interaction in BRICS, G20 the UN amongst others.
When asked about the role of arts, culture and sport the Minister said
creating greater awareness and understanding among humanity was vital
for People to people soft diplomacy which could be achieved through
travel, tourism and hospitality cooperation and this could lead to
trade, business and investment opportunities.