South African President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed Russia’s status as a valued ally during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, held on the eve of the BRICS Summit in Kazan. The bilateral discussions emphasized the historical and ongoing ties between the two nations, as South Africa acknowledges Russia’s support during the anti-apartheid struggle.
“We continue to view Russia as a valued ally and friend, extending back to the days when you supported our fight against apartheid,” Ramaphosa stated in the meeting, as seen in a video shared by South Africa’s government news agency.
Ramaphosa also underscored the importance of the discussions set to take place within the BRICS framework, emphasizing the bloc’s role in addressing economic and political issues among emerging economies. “We will be having significant discussions here in Kazan as part of the BRICS family,” he added.
The meeting highlighted the enduring relationship between South Africa and Russia, dating back to the Soviet Union’s backing of anti-apartheid movements. Today, the partnership is manifested in various areas, including economic cooperation, defense, and shared geopolitical interests. The Kazan summit provides a platform for the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—to collaborate on advancing their collective goals and addressing global challenges.
Ramaphosa’s remarks reflect South Africa’s diplomatic stance, emphasizing the value it places on its relationship with Russia despite international pressures stemming from Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The BRICS Summit, scheduled for October 22-24, serves as a crucial forum for member states to discuss strategies for fostering economic growth, enhancing cooperation, and countering Western economic dominance.
As the BRICS bloc continues to expand and evolve, the meeting between Ramaphosa and Putin underscores the importance of bilateral relationships within the group, which are critical for driving the agenda forward and shaping the future of this coalition of emerging economies.
