South Africa affirms Vietnam's crucial position in its foreign policy
VNA

25 September 2026

South African Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenneth Morolong praised the progress in bilateral ties, particularly since the two countries upgraded their relationship to a Strategic Partnership.

‘Across Mountains and Seas, Shared Prosperity in the Digital and Intelligent Age’
China-Africa Publishing Association launched to deepen knowledge exchange, cultural understanding and cooperation in the digital and intelligent age

By Kirtan Bhana | The Diplomatic Society

25 September 2026

A Season of Reunion and Shared Understanding
The launch of the China-Africa Publishing Association takes place at a particularly meaningful time in the Chinese cultural calendar, around the Mid-Autumn Festival, a traditional celebration associated with reunion, family, gratitude and the sharing of the full moon.

A Handbook for an Organisation in Transformation, the UN at 81

By Kirtan Bhana and Anisha Pemjee 

22 September 2026

As world leaders gather in New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, a significant publication launched in Pretoria offers a way of understanding the enormous institution at the centre of contemporary multilateral diplomacy.

Beijing Declaration Opens New Chapter in Africa-China Natural Diamond Cooperation

The South African State Diamond Trader/TDS/Kirtan Bhana

21 September 2026

BEIJING, CHINA — A new chapter in cooperation between Africa's diamond-producing countries and China opened in Beijing on 15 September 2026, when South Africa joined Botswana and Namibia in signing the Beijing Declaration on Natural Diamonds and Sustainable Development. While placing provenance, beneficiation, skills and sustainable development at the centre of the industry's next chapter, it linked it to China’s jewellery market. 

Balthasar Staehelin, Personal Envoy of President to China and Head of Regional Delegation for East Asia of International Committee of Red Cross: “We see BRICS as a format centred around a constructive agenda of jointly addressing global challenges”

The ICRC representative discusses international cooperation, humanitarian diplomacy, digital innovation and the growing role of young people in humanitarian action across BRICS countries

Balthasar Staehelin (photo source:  Archive of the International Committee of the Red Cross)

The International Committee of the Red Cross delegation in China marked its 20th anniversary in 2025. How has the organisation’s work in the country evolved over these years? Which areas are now among the key priorities?

UrFU Hosts Discussion on Unique 1984-1985 Ural Youth Initiative in Support of Anti-Apartheid Fighters

by Mikhail Kosarev

18 September 2026

A round table titled "Ural – South Africa: A Bridge of Solidarity" took place at the Ural Federal University (UrFU) in commemoration of the famous initiative undertaken by Soviet youth from Sverdlovsk (now Yekaterinburg) in 1984–1985 to support those fighting against apartheid in South Africa.

Malaysia Marks National Day, Malaysia Day in South Africa

18 September 2026

Malaysia’s 69th National Day and 63rd Malaysia Day were celebrated in Pretoria on 15 September with a reception highlighting growing Malaysia-South Africa ties alongside the country’s rich culture and heritage.

BRICS Plus Delhi Declaration - From Multilateralism to a New Architecture of Cooperation

By Kirtan Bhana, The Diplomatic Society

The 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi marks an important stage in the evolution of a grouping that has changed considerably since Brazil, Russia, India and China first gave political expression to the BRICS concept. With the subsequent inclusion of South Africa and the more recent expansion across Africa, the Middle East and Asia, BRICS has become considerably more representative of the developing world and of the changing distribution of economic and political influence.

Top leaders agree on major orientations to deepen Việt Nam–Russia ties

VNA - 14 September 2026 

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Việt Nam Central Committee and President Tô Lâm and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed on major orientations to deepen the Việt Nam–Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with a focus on economic, energy, defence, science and technology, education and people-to-people cooperation.