Russian Embassy in South Africa
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Official channel for the Russian Embassy in the Republic of South Africa 🇷🇺🇿🇦

Latest foreign policy, cultural, economic news & all things Russia-related

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🇷🇺🇿🇦 The Russia-South Africa Business Council held a meeting in Moscow

President of the All-Russian public organization "Business Russia" Pavel Titov:

"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.

South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola:

"The African continental free trade area provides a complementary backdrop to our 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"

the Minister is quoted by TV BRICS as saying.

Vladimir Padalko, Vice-President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry:

"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."


#RussiaSouthAfrica #RussiaSArelations #RussiaAfrica
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🌟 80 years ago, on 16 April 1945 the Red Army’s Berlin Offensive was launched, one of the last major operations of WW2 in Europe which ended in surrender of all German forces and downfall of the Third Reich.

⚔️ It went down in history as the largest battle involving in total more than 3 million soldiers. The troops of the 1st and the 2nd Belorussian and the 1st Ukrainian Fronts supported by the 18th Air Army, Baltic Fleet, Dnieper Flotilla and Polish People’s Army participated in the offensive from the Soviet side, while Nazi Germany was represented by Army Groups “Vistula” and “Center” supported by 4th and 6th air fleets and Air Fleet “Reich”.

⚔️ During the Berlin Offensive the Red Army encircled the enemy’s forces in Berlin, split them apart and eliminated separately. About 150,000 Nazis were killed, about 480,000 captured. The Red Army’s irrecoverable losses amounted to 78,000.

🎖️ More than 1 million Soviet personnel were awarded the Medal "For the Capture of Berlin". As a result of the operation hundreds of thousands of people were released from German captivity including at least 200,000 foreign citizens.

#Victory80 #WorldWar2
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🇷🇺🇿🇦В Москве состоялось заседание делового совета Россия-ЮАР.

Участники обсудили взаимодействие двух стран и подготовили план совместной работы.

🇷🇺Президент общероссийской общественной организации «Деловая Россия» Павел Титов:

«Сотрудничество с ЮАР - одно из самых приоритетных направлений для «Деловой России» и, думаю, для многих представителей российского бизнеса. Мы ведем последовательную работу по B2B-запросам российских предпринимателей, плотно взаимодействуем со всеми заинтересованными структурами, чтобы создавать самые комфортные условия для укрепления торгово-экономического сотрудничества наших стран».


Павел Титов обратил внимание, что Москва и Претория ищут возможности запуска взаиморасчетов в национальных валютах и прямого авиасообщения. Президент «Деловой России» подчеркнул, что это поможет развитию двусторонней торговли и увеличит турпотоки, еще больше укрепив партнерство России и ЮАР.

🇿🇦 Министр международных отношений и сотрудничества ЮАР Рональд Ламола:

«Мы должны расширять и диверсифицировать наше экономическое сотрудничество и торговлю. Мы должны смотреть за пределы традиционных отраслей и искать новые возможности для сотрудничества в сферах передовых инноваций, устойчивого развития и трансформации бизнеса. Сейчас у нас есть отличная возможность активно участвовать в экономической жизни двух стран. Успехи, которых достигла Россия в авиакосмической отрасли, энергетике, металлургии, современных технологиях могут помочь ЮАР, особенно в том, что касается безопасности, индустриализации и модернизации инфраструктуры».


Рональд Ламола отметил, что ЮАР является отличной точкой входа для российских предпринимателей и компаний на рынки других стран Африки. Москва и Претория также могут сотрудничать в сферах подготовки кадров, сельского хозяйства, туризма, горной промышленности, что крайне важно для устойчивости и диверсификации экономик двух государств.

На встрече также выступили председатели российской и африканской частей совета – гендиректор автозавода «Урал» Павел Яковлев и президент организации Black Business Council Элиас Монаге. Они рассказали о целях и задачах, стоящих перед советом, а также представили свои предложения по развитию двустороннего сотрудничества.

#РоссияАфрика #РоссияЮАР
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Did you know Russia and South Africa have something majestic in common?

🐋 Whales! These gentle giants migrate and feed in the waters of both nations.

In a move to protect them, the Government of the Russian Federation has officially banned industrial and coastal whaling, including the capture of whales, dolphins, orcas, belugas, and porpoises.

✍️ The law, signed by President Vladimir Putin, came into force on January 10, 2022. This landmark law not only bans commercial capture but also allows the government to impose further protections in Russia's Exclusive Economic Zone – a major win for ocean conservation.

Chukotka remains the only region in Russia where whaling is still permitted – but only for Indigenous peoples of the North, and strictly for supporting their traditional way of life. This culturally rooted, carefully regulated practice stands apart from commercial hunting and is recognized under international norms.

☝️ Our country has also been funding major researches into rare and iconic species, like the beluga whale, since 2008. Although not endangered, belugas are key indicators of Arctic marine ecosystem health and are listed in both Russia’s Red Data Book and the IUCN Red List. President Putin has been personally involved in protecting these iconic animals. In 2009, he took part in an expedition and inspected the beluga whales himself, showing direct support for their conservation.

#Russia #Arctic #SaveTheWhales
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🇷🇺🤝🇿🇦 Space exploration, metallurgy and agriculture – Russia and South Africa discussed new opportunities for cooperation

At the 18th meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee on trade and economic cooperation between Russia and South Africa, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Alexander Kozlov outlined the areas for developing bilateral relations.

👉 In particular, they discussed industry, space exploration, agriculture, education and culture.

“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,” South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation 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 Russian Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Alexander Kozlov.


Almost half of the trade between the countries is agricultural products. On the roadmap is expanding the range of our trade.

Pictures by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation

#RussiaSouthAfrica #RussiaAfrica #RussiaSArelations
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🇷🇺🇿🇦 Metallurgy and energy are among the most promising areas of #Russia-#SouthAfrica cooperation

On 16 April 2025, the 18th meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee on trade and economic cooperation between Russia and South Africa was held in Moscow.

Russian Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Alexander Kozlov:

“We are ready to cooperate in the construction of new, as well as the reconstruction, modernization and expansion of existing metallurgical production facilities. This concerns ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, mining and coal industries, and machine-building plants.”


☝️ With regard to the energy sector, the parties confirmed their readiness to continue the dialogue on the construction of renewable energy facilities, as well as to intensify the development of cooperation in the construction and modernization of generation facilities and hydroelectric power plants.

Pictures by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation

#RussiaSouthAfrica #RussiaAfrica #RussiaSArelations
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🇷🇺🚀🇿🇦 Russia and South Africa view expanding cooperation in the field of space

During the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee on trade and economic cooperation between Russia and South Africa (ITEC) opportunities to enhance space cooperation were considered.

“We have positive experience of cooperation in the field of space. On July 23, 2023, with the participation of the heads of Roscosmos and the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), a Russian space debris tracking station was put into operation. We will continue to develop this dialogue,” said Russian Minister of Natural Resources, co-chair of the ITEC Alexander Kozlov.


Pictures by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation

#RussiaSouthAfrica #RussiaAfrica #RussiaSArelations #SpaceExploration
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🇷🇺🇿🇦 The 18th ITEC session in Moscow considered Russia-South Africa humanitarian cooperation

Russian Minister of Natural Resources, co-chair of the ITEC Alexander Kozlov pointed out that #Russia and #SouthAfrica 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 took place.

☝️ For the 2025-2026 academic year, the quota for South African students has been increased by 10 places. Among the most popular areas of study are mathematics, nuclear energy and technology, mechanical engineering and metallurgy.

Pictures by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation

#RussiaSouthAfrica #RussiaAfrica #RussiaSArelations #SpaceExploration
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A series of #G20 events on digital issues have concluded in the South African city of Gqeberha: a meeting of the Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG) and a meeting of the Task Force (TF) on Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance and Innovation for Sustainable Development, created at the initiative of South Africa.

✈️ The meetings were held in a constructive manner, with an emphasis on practical issues and without politicizing the agenda. A cross-cutting priority for both groups in 2025 is the issue of equitable, inclusive and fair artificial intelligence (AI).

The following topics were also discussed during these meetings:

▫️Connectivity for inclusive digital development;

▫️ Digital public infrastructure and transformation;

▫️ Digital innovation ecosystems: unlocking the potential of small businesses.

As part of the meeting of the AI Task Force, the delegations discussed the content of the future instruments for assessing inequality in the AI sphere, problems of data availability for research organizations, small businesses and startups which are the main engines of the development of the aforementioned technology in the countries of the Global South.

The topic of generative AI, including the dangerous trend of its malicious use, was also touched upon.

🌐 The participants exchanged views on general trends in the development of AI, primarily in countries with emerging markets; data management problems; building the potential for digital transformation in the public sector, including training the population and civil servants in relevant skills.

🇷🇺 Our country was represented at specialized meetings by a delegation led by the Ministry of Digital Development.
Colleagues noted Russia's successes in developing digital infrastructure and digital platforms that provide services to individuals and private businesses. The importance of ensuring security and trust when using such digital platforms was emphasized. The key element here is the developed Unified Identification and Authentication System.

The Russian delegation pointed out our readiness to share Russian experience, including in the field of strategic planning based on the National Strategy for the Development of AI until 2030 and soft regulation based on the Code of Ethics for AI.

#G20SouthAfrica
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🎙 Russian Senator Galina Karelova:

"The Green Future Award is a new experience in forming the #BRICS environmental agenda, a new facet of uniting the efforts of our countries in solving one of the most pressing problems.

It also demonstrates how significant the contribution of women to sustainable development is becoming. It is important to show the best projects to a wide audience so that they find followers and acquire a larger scale.
"

🌐 The organizing committee has received over 800 applications from BRICS countries. More than half from Russia, India, China and South Africa.

The participants represent government agencies, large businesses, research centers, universities, and joint-stock companies.

Expert evaluation of applications will last until April 22.

👉 Website of Green Future Award

#BRICS #GreenFutureAward
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#opinion

✍️Russia will tell our story’: African experts react to Moscow’s major media move
By RT


In February, Russian news agency @Sputnik_Int opened its first African editorial center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital.

Foreign policy experts opine that the move is a clear indication of Moscow’s deliberate intention to intensify its engagements with the African continent.

Boniface Muoka, chairperson of the Department of Security, Diplomacy, and Peace Studies at Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya, observes that Russia’s media investment in Africa is not only about stamping Moscow’s diplomatic authority on the continent but also redefining Africa’s image.

“For decades, Western-owned and controlled media coverage of Africa has been skewed, biased, and unfair. Africa’s negative story has dominated Western media and the entry of Russia into this space is likely to turn the tide and show us the other side of the continent,” Muoka told RT.


Muoka adds that since Russia is not interested in “policing Africa,” its media investment will likely be focused on strengthening its relationship with the continent by telling Africa’s positive story.

Read in full

#RussiaAfrica #QuestionMore #RTchannel
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🎙 Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov:

Despite the sanctions, we can not only rely on national currencies but also create payment platforms that are free from external influence. One of them is the Financial Messaging System of the Central Bank of Russia, which is convenient and does not depend on #SWIFT.

☝️ There are several other initiatives, including those that are being considered within #BRICS.

Brazil has proposed creating alternative payment platforms, and this work is underway. I am confident that even the countries that are not members of this group will be able to gain access to such mechanisms after they are created.

#Lavrov #BRICS
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🇷🇺 Today marks the Day of Accession of Crimea, Taman and Kuban into the Russian empire.

📆This commemorative date in modern Russia was established to draw attention to empress Catherine’s fateful decision of 19 April 1783 and highlight historical context of Crimea being an integral part of Russia.

The history of Russian presence in Crimea starts as long ago as X-XI centuries. The area of Russian principality of Tmutarakan in North-Pontic region spread from eastern Crimea to the foothills of the Caucasus. However, later Russia, torn by internal strives, lost control over this territory and it fell under the authority of Byzantium and the Ottoman empire.

⚔️For centuries, Russian lands were raided from the territory of Crimea. People were seized, enslaved and later sold at slave markets including in Constantinople.

☝️ In order to eliminate the threat and gain access to the Black Sea young emperor Peter the Great conducted two Azov campaigns in late XVII century.

⚔️ As a result of Russo-Turkish wars of 1735-1739 and 1768-1774, Crimean khanate became independent from the Porte, while the Russian empire gained the ports of Kerch and Enikale, control over the Kerch strait and therewith an unhindered access to the Black Sea from the Azov Sea.

But remaining threat of possible use of Crimea as a bridgehead for attacking Russia by Turkey called into question the integration of Crimea into Russia.

✍️ On 19 April 1783, Russian empress Catherine the Great signed a Manifesto on admission of Crimean peninsula, Taman island and the whole Kuban land into Russian empire.

#RussianHistory #CrimeaisRussia
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🕯️On April 19, the Day of United Actions in Memory of the Genocide of the Soviet People by the Nazis and Their Accomplices during the Great Patriotic War will be observed throughout Russia.

Events are underway in schools, universities, scientific and cultural organizations, regional and municipal institutions. The number of participants is steadily growing every year, which reflects the importance of this topic for our people.

☝️This day was not chosen by chance.

✍️It was on April 19, 1943, that the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR No. 39 "On Punishment for German-Fascist Villains Guilty of Murder and Torture of the Soviet Civilian Population and Captured Red Army Soldiers, for Spies, Traitors of the Motherland from Among Soviet Citizens and for Their Accomplices" was issued.

❗️The adoption of this document was the first fact of recognition of the targeted and large-scale policy of the Nazis and their accomplices to exterminate the civilian population in the occupied territory and the punishability of such crimes.

Today the Russian Foreign Ministry, together with the competent agencies, including the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, is applies efforts to secure the classification of the crimes of the Nazi invaders during the Great Patriotic War as genocide of the peoples of the Soviet Union.

‼️ We are working to ensure that all the facts discovered by Russia’s Investigative Committee and recognized by Russian judicial authorities are reported to the world community in full. In the name of protecting the historical truth and perpetuating the memory of millions of our innocent citizens who fell victims to Nazism and misanthropic ideology.

#Victory80 #NaziGenocide
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