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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Deputy President, friends.

Allow me to extend a warm welcome to all of you here in St Petersburg, Russia.

The relations between Russia and South Africa are developing successfully on the basis of a comprehensive strategic partnership, equality, and mutual respect. We are in regular contact with President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa. Last year, we held detailed discussions with him in Kazan during the BRICS Summit, outlining steps for further cooperation. Mr Deputy President, I kindly ask you to convey my best wishes to President Ramaphosa.

I am aware that your programme in Russia is quite packed. You have already commenced your work at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum. A couple of hours ago, as I have been informed, you participated in the Russia-South Africa business dialogue. I know that yesterday you also held a meeting in Moscow with Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin, and that a meeting with the speakers of both houses of the Russian parliament is also scheduled.

I would like to highlight that bilateral trade saw an increase of approximately 2 percent in 2024. Naturally, we will continue to expand and diversify our mutual trade and investment. The St Petersburg International Economic Forum serves as an excellent platform for expanding contacts and working with partners from both Russia and other countries.

We place considerable emphasis on education, traditionally. More than 40 Russian higher educational institutions have established partnerships and signed agreements with relevant South African organisations. Currently, approximately 570 students from South Africa are studying at Russian universities.

As I understand it, you previously served as Minister of Culture and consistently prioritised this area of our cooperation – in culture and sport. We eagerly anticipate the arrival of a South African delegation in Moscow this September for the international Intervision music competition.

Russia and South Africa share common approaches to addressing urgent issues on the global agenda. We coordinate our efforts on international platforms.

Overall, strengthening ties with African nations remains one of our key priorities. As you know, following the second Russia-Africa Summit held here in St Petersburg in 2023, a substantial package of joint documents was adopted, including a policy declaration and an action plan through to 2026. Russia, South Africa, and other African partners are working collaboratively to implement these plans in practice.

Mr Deputy President, friends, welcome once again!

The floor is yours.

Deputy President of South Africa Paul Mashatile: Mr President, thank you for allowing us to meet with you in your busy schedule. We have been in Russia since June 17, that is since Tuesday. We thank you for the excellent hospitality.

Mr President, congratulations on the successful hosting of Victory Day. The commemoration of Victory Day is quite a significant event in the world history.

I am carrying with me a message of apology from my president, President Ramaphosa, for his inability to attend the Victory Day parade. Still, we are delighted that our Minister of Defence attended on the behalf of the President. We will never forget the role that the USSR played in supporting the anti-apartheid movement, which fought for the liberation of all South Africans from the shackles of apartheid.

I have the honour of visiting a memorial to South African heroes of a struggle for freedom and democracy – Moses Kotane and JB Marks – who spent 40 years in Russia. All freedom-loving people of South Africa will never forget your solidarity and support.

The President has asked me to work tirelessly towards the translation of the strong foundation of our strategic relations into higher trade and economic ties for the mutual benefit of our people. Mr President, we are delighted to form part of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum 2025. South Africa’s participation in the St Petersburg International Economic Forum 2025 reflects an effort to deepen our trade and economic relations with the Russian Federation.

South Africa continues to call on the support of Russia’s influence within the Eurasian Economic Union to reconsider South Africa from an undeveloped to a developing country. This had a significant impact on South African products and trade to the Eurasian market. I’ve also been informed that Russia continues to train our students, police, fire, and emergency services. The government is equally grateful to the 80 scholarship programmes extended to South Africans to study in Russia.

In people-to-people relations, I am delighted to learn that a Russian university has begun to offer the isiZulu language, and today, when I was at St Petersburg University, they also told me that they will also start offering lessons in isiXhosa language. We are very grateful for that, Mr President, and once more, we are happy to be here, to meet with you within your busy schedule. We are looking forward to have a good discussion between me and my delegation, and yourself and the ministers present here.

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