Strengthening the Partnership between Russia and South Africa
23 April 2025
South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola was on a two-day Working Visit to the Russian Federation. During his visit to Moscow, Minister Lamola met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and he co-chaired the 18th Session of the Joint Inter-Governmental Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) alongside Mr Alexander Kozlov, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation.
During their meeting Minister Lavrov expressed satisfaction with the two countries’ cooperation at the United Nations, BRICS and G20. The Ministers discussed a range of issues related to further strengthening bilateral relations with a focus on promoting mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, the economy, science and technology. Both sides committed to finding best solutions to current global and regional challenges, in accordance with the principles of international law and the UN Charter.
ITEC is a structured bilateral mechanism aimed at enhancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation between South Africa and the Russian Federation. The key sectors that were reviewed included:
• Trade and Investment: Strengthening economic partnerships and exploring opportunities for mutual growth.
• Agriculture: Enhancing collaboration in sustainable agricultural practices and food security.
• Education: Expanding academic exchanges and skills development initiatives.
• Digital Technologies and Mass Communication: Advancing innovation and connectivity in the digital era.
• Transport: Promoting infrastructure development and logistical efficiency.
Russian Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Alexander Kozlov outlined the areas for developing bilateral relations.
“The ITEC gives impetus to the political commitment between South Africa and the Russian Federation to broaden and deepen our economy and trade relations. This is particularly important following the vision of our heads of states bilateral meeting on the sidelines of BRICS Summit in Kazan in October 2024 to which we serve to define to utilize ITEC platform and other existing mechanisms to increase and diversify our economic and trade cooperation,” Minister Ronald Lamola noted in his opening remarks.
“South Africa remains one of Russia’s main trading partners on the African continent. Over the past three years, trade between our countries has been stable. There are significant opportunities for growth. We have untapped potential in almost every area,” said Minister Alexander Kozlov.
At the Russia-South Africa Business Council meeting held in Moscow, President of the All-Russian public organization "Business Russia" Pavel Titov said, "Cooperation with South Africa is one of the highest priority areas for "Business Russia" and, I think, for many representatives of Russian business. We are consistently working on B2B requests from Russian entrepreneurs, closely interacting with all interested structures in order to create the most comfortable conditions for strengthening trade and economic cooperation between our countries."
Pavel Titov noted that Moscow and Pretoria are looking for opportunities to launch mutual settlements in national currencies and direct flights. The President of "Business Russia" emphasized that this will help develop bilateral trade and increase tourist flows, further strengthening the partnership between Russia and South Africa.
Lamola said that the African continental free trade area (AfCFTA) provides a complementary backdrop for bilateral efforts. “South Africa is a gateway to Africa and offers Russian investors a strategic endpoint to access one of the fastest-growing regions in the world. By aligning our bilateral initiatives, we will be able to provide fundamental products and ensure sustainable growth"
Vladimir Padalko, Vice-President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry said, "African partners are very interested in developing transport and introducing smart solutions for cities – something we already have working. We are ready to participate in this."
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Kozlov pointed out that Russia and South Africa are increasing cultural exchanges. In September 2024, the Days of Spiritual Culture of Russia in South Africa were successfully held in the cities of Pretoria, Durban and Johannesburg. The program of the project included concerts by the Moscow Synodal Choir and the ensemble "Soloists of Moscow". Screenings of animated films from the Soyuzmultfilm film studio also took place.
Dirco, Russian Embassy in SA and TDS