SA-Russia ties excellent: minister

International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane. Picture: Jacoline Prinsloo

International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane. Picture: Jacoline Prinsloo

Published Feb 12, 2013

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Pretoria - South Africa has excellent diplomatic and political relations with Russia, International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said on Tuesday.

“In all our recent high level engagements, South Africa and Russia both agree that our diplomatic and political relations are excellent,” she said in a statement.

“These are demonstrated by close co-operation and convergence of views on several issues in Africa, BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-SA), the G20, the United Nations, and so on.”

Nkoana-Mashabane met her Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Pretoria on Tuesday.

The level and momentum of trade, economic relations, and technical co-operation between the two countries had potential for improvement.

“Our priority going forward is to focus our attention and resources on critical priorities, concrete projects and instruments that will enhance our economic relations, and technical co-operation.”

Nkoana-Mashabane said a planned state visit to South Africa soon by Russian President Vladimir Putin was an “important milestone” to deliver on commitments made during previous meetings and the signing of several agreements.

“South Africa believes that our strategic and mutually beneficial partnership with Russia will continue to thrive.” - Sapa

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