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

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Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Remarks by President of Russia Vladimir Putin at the main Plenary Session of the XVII BRICS Summit (July 6, 2025)

💬 President Putin: Colleagues, friends.

First of all, I would like to join the words of gratitude to President Lula da Silva and the Brazilian Chairmanship for their active efforts in advancing the strategic partnership within #BRICS.

It is important that the BRICS countries continue to deepen their cooperation across key sectors in politics, security, the economy and finance, cultural and humanitarian contacts.

This group has significantly grown and now includes leading states in Eurasia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Together, we possess a vast political, economic, scientific, technological, and human potential.

📈 The BRICS countries account for not only a third of the Earth’s landmass and almost half the planet’s population, but also for 40 percent of the global economy, while their combined GDP at purchasing power parity stands at $77 trillion. This is the 2025 data according to the IMF. By the way, BRICS is substantially ahead of other groups in this parameter, including G7 with $57 trillion.

Year after year, our group’s global authority and influence continue growing. BRICS has rightfully established itself as one of the key centres of global governance, with our collective voice in support of the global majority’s vital interests resonating ever more powerfully across the international stage.

BRICS has many supporters in the Global South and East. The culture of an open partnership and cooperation, mutual respect and consideration for each other’s interests in the group appeals to them. Based on this knowledge, during the summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024, we decided to establish a category of BRICS partner states, to develop ad hoc practical cooperation with all interested countries. BRICS has ten partner states to date.

🌐 I will stress that the BRICS countries represent different development models, religions, authentic civilisations and cultures, while unanimously upholding equality and neighbourliness. They prioritise traditional values, the high ideals of friendship and accord, striving to contribute to global stability and security, the prosperity and success of all nations. Without doubt, this constructive approach and unifying agenda are highly relevant amidst the geopolitical challenges of today.

We all see that the world is experiencing tectonic shifts. The unipolar system of international relations that once served the interests of the so-called golden billion, is losing its relevance, replaced by a more just multi-polar world. Global economic patterns are changing faster. Everything indicates that the liberal globalisation model is becoming obsolete while the centre of business activity is gravitating towards developing markets, launching a powerful growth wave, including in the BRICS countries. To maximise the emerging prospects, it is important to intensify cooperation within the group, primarily in technology, effective resource development, logistics, insurance, trade and finance.

It is important to continue expanding the use of national currencies in mutual payments. It is believed that creating an independent payment and monetary system within BRICS will expedite currency transactions while also ensuring their effectiveness and security. Furthermore, using national currencies in trade within BRICS is steadily growing. In 2024, the share of Russia’s national currency, the ruble, and the currencies of our friendly states in transactions with Russia and other BRICS countries reached 90 percent.

📄 Read in full
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Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
📄 XVII BRICS Summit Rio de Janeiro Declaration "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and
Sustainable Governance"


Full text of the Declaration


Excerpts from the Declaration:

• We reiterate our commitment to reforming and improving global governance by promoting a more just, equitable, agile, effective, efficient, responsive, representative, legitimate, democratic and accountable international and multilateral system in the spirit of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits.

• We reaffirm our commitment to multilateralism and upholding the international law, including the Purposes and Principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations (UN), in their entirety and interconnectedness as its indispensable cornerstone, and the central role of the UN in the international system.

🇺🇳 We reiterate our support for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including its Security Council, with a view to making it more democratic, representative, effective and efficient, and to increase the representation of developing countries in the Council’s memberships so that it can adequately respond to prevailing global challenges and support the legitimate aspirations of emerging and developing countries from Africa, Asia and Latin America, including BRICS countries, to play a greater role in international affairs, in particular in the United Nations, including its Security Council.

🌐 We acknowledge that multipolarity can expand opportunities for EMDCs to develop their constructive potential and enjoy universally beneficial, inclusive and equitable economic globalization and cooperation.

We condemn the imposition of unilateral coercive measures that are contrary to international law, and reiterate that such measures, inter alia in the form of unilateral economic sanctions and secondary sanctions, have far-reaching negative implications for the human rights, including the rights to development, health and food security, of the general population of targeted states, disproportionally affecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations, deepening the digital divide and exacerbating environmental challenges. We call for the elimination of such unlawful measures, which undermine international law and the principles and purposes of the UN Charter.

• We reaffirm that BRICS member states do not impose or support non-UN Security Council authorized sanctions that are contrary to international law.

We condemn the military strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran since 13 June 2025, which constitute a violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and express grave concern over the subsequent escalation of the security situation in the Middle East.

• We recall that the Gaza Strip is an inseparable part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. We underline, in this regard, the importance of unifying the West Bank and the Gaza Strip under the Palestinian Authority, and reaffirm the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the right to their independent State of Palestine.

• We reiterate that the principle 🌍 “African solutions to African problems” should continue to serve as the basis for conflict resolution on the African continent.

❗️ We condemn in the strongest terms the attacks against bridges and railways infrastructure deliberately targeting civilians in Bryansk, Kursk and Voronezh regions of the Russian Federation on 31 May, 1 and 5 June 2025, resulting in multiple civilian casualties, including children.

We commend 🇧🇷 Brazil’s BRICS Chairship in 2025 and express our gratitude to the government and people of Brazil for holding the XVII BRICS Summit in the city of Rio de Janeiro.

We extend full support to 🇮🇳 India for its BRICS Chairship in 2026 and the holding of the XVIII BRICS Summit in India.
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Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks at Session II of the XVII BRICS Summit «Strengthening multilateral world order, financial and economic issues, artificial intelligence» (Rio de Janeiro, July 6, 2025)

📄 Read in full

Key talking points:

Strengthening the multilateral world order while the international system goes through fundamental transformations is one of the crucial tasks for #BRICS and for the entire international community.

Multipolarity is not a choice but rather an objective reality which succeeds the outdated neoliberal model that actually builds on neocolonial practices. The traditional paradigm of globalization where the predominant role is played by the so-called developed states of the West is becoming a relic.

• Countries of the Global South and East are becoming a main driving force of the global economic growth. Regional organizations such as the African Union, CELAC, ASEAN, SCO, EAEU are playing an increased role. In this context conceptual and practical approaches are being developed to establish a new architecture of world economy based on the principles of equality, multilateralism and non-discrimination in trade, financial settlements, technology, logistics.

• BRICS countries account for more than 40% of the global gross domestic product based on purchasing power parity, and together with partner countries this figure is at 45% or 93 trillion dollars. Today BRICS represents more than 20% of global trade and almost a half of world population.

• The share of BRICS countries in trade with Russia is constantly growing and in 2014 it exceeded 48%, with 90% of mutual settlements made in national currencies.

• It is of significant importance to pursue the reform and depolarization of the Bretton-Woods institutions which should reflect a real state of affairs in the world economy. The continued use of the IMF and WB with a view to preserve neocolonial practices is unacceptable.

• The increasingly aggressive attempts by the West to introduce ideological ultimatums into the dialogue as what are virtually the main criteria – based on Western interpretations of human rights and democracy – are having an extremely negative impact on the delivery of the UN sustainable development goals.

• To address imbalances and to mobilize resources for development Russia introduced an initiative to create within BRICS a New Investment Platform with the participation of the New Development Bank (NDB). We thank colleagues for showing their interest to the promising initiative.

• Artificial Intelligence is becoming a critical technology. Experts estimate that AI contribution to the global domestic product will be at 20 trillion dollars by 2030.

• We will need to address issues related to ensuring universal access to advance developments in this field. Secret initiatives put forward by a number of countries and with restricted participation with a view to promote non-consensus approaches are fraught with the most serious consequences.

• The challenges associated with the development of digital technologies are transnational in nature and require collective response.

• I am convinced that BRICS nations together with like-minded countries will continue to lead in promoting a just multipolar world order that will provide favourable conditions for sustainable development of all States without exception.
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Russian Embassy in South Africa
⚡️ In accordance with subparagraph b) of paragraph 1 of the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of November 7, 2024 No. 1510 "On conducting an experiment to test the rules and conditions for entry into the Russian Federation and exit from the…
❗️Dear subscribers,

We remind that the resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1510 of November 7, 2024, approved voluntary completion of an application for entry into Russia through the "ruID" app.

Failure to complete the application cannot serve as a reason for refusal of entry.

Advantages of #ruID
🔹 You can check in advance for restrictions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia on entry into the Russian Federation
🔹 By creating a digital profile, you can interact with government agencies in electronic form (incl for registration of the self-employed, or purchasing a voluntary health insurance)
🔹 Upon entry into Russia, a foreign citizen will be automatically issued a SNILS (individual insurance account number) required for purchasing a SIM card.
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🇷🇺🇿🇦 The Embassy of the Russian Federation extends its sincere thanks to the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture (DSAC) and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) for hosting a powerful musical tribute evening in honour of South African cultural icon, Mama Abigail Kubeka.

💬 Ambassador Roman #Ambarov:
“We were deeply honoured to be part of this heartfelt celebration of Mama Kubeka’s remarkable life and enduring contributions to the arts.

Her voice, spirit, and legacy continue to resonate far beyond #SouthAfrica’s borders, inspiring artists and audiences around the world.”
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🎙 Interview with the Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Russia’s #BRICS Sherpa, Pavel Knyazev, on TV BRICS (July 2, 2025)

Key Points:

• At this pivotal stage in global relations, BRICS is proving its unique relevance as a pillar of a multipolar world and a key platform for advancing the interests of the global majority. We (Russia) view the upcoming summit as an important step in strengthening the BRICS strategic partnership, which is based on the principles of sovereign equality, mutual respect, and pragmatic cooperation.

• A key item on the agenda is the expansion of the use of national currencies in mutual trade operations. As of today, the share of national currencies in Russia’s settlements with BRICS countries has reached 90%.

• We support deepening cooperation between BRICS and countries of the Global South and East across all three main pillars of the BRICS partnership — security, economic and financial cooperation, and humanitarian and cultural engagement.

• The New Development Bank (NDB) is a flagship mechanism for financing BRICS sustainable development initiatives. Over its existence, it has already provided nearly 40 billion US dollars for the implementation of 120 projects in areas such as infrastructure, green economy, and digitalization. BRICS countries are interested in strengthening the international standing of the NDB and increasing its operational activity, including within Russia.

• In addition to full BRICS members — South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia — Nigeria and Uganda have also joined BRICS as partner countries. This significantly amplifies Africa’s voice in our work and ensures that the interests and concerns of countries from this region are appropriately taken into account. The approaches of BRICS countries and African nations are largely aligned.

• BRICS countries now account for 42% of global food production. Creating a politically independent platform for trade in agricultural products is in the interest of BRICS nations and the broader international community, especially the most vulnerable states.

• We advocate for a flexible approach to involving like-minded countries from the Global South and East in BRICS cooperation. However, it is important to maintain the core of BRICS. It is unlikely to be effective to multiply new formats; rather, we should focus on coordinated work within the frameworks already in place. Expansion remains on the agenda. At the same time, we and our partners agree that the current priority is consolidating the expanded BRICS partnership and effectively using existing formats for dialogue to deepen cooperation with other interested like-minded states.
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🤩 The #BRICS Road Rally on Russian Highways (from Ekaterinburg to Moscow).

The motor rally will take place along the route Yekaterinburg - Dyurtyuli - Kazan - Nizhny Novgorod - Suzdal - Moscow. In total, this is over 1,600 km of high-speed roads.

33 companies from the construction, logistics and financial sectors from 15 countries have already confirmed their participation: Brazil, Chile, China, the UAE, India, Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa 🇿🇦, Iran, Ethiopia, Uzbekistan, the Republic of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Turkey and Peru.

📍The column will finish in Moscow, on the territory of the VDNKh park.

The goal of the event is to demonstrate the transport, trade and investment potential of the regions of the Russian Federation, as well as the development of mutually beneficial cooperation between representatives of the business community of the BRICS+ countries.
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⚡️ Комментарий Посольства к статье «Украина призывает африканские страны помочь оказать давление на Путина для обеспечения прекращения огня», опубликованной в южноафриканском издании Daily Maverick 1 июля 2025 года

Статья, опубликованная Daily Maverick, как и многие предыдущие недостоверные материалы данного СМИ, вызывает недоумение.

Россия никогда не выступала против прекращения огня в зоне проведения специальной военной операции. Напротив, мы неоднократно демонстрировали свою приверженность деэскалации конфликта. В марте 2025 года Россия поддержала инициативу Президента США Д.Трампа о введении 30-дневного моратория на удары по энергетической инфраструктуре Украины. В апреле Президент России В.В.Путин объявил 30-часовое пасхальное перемирие, а с 8 по 10 мая – 72-часовой режим полного прекращения огня в честь 80-летия Победы.

Соблюдение указанных мер Киевом могло стать шагом в направлении долгосрочного прекращения огня. К сожалению, все эти инициативы были сорваны украинской стороной. Вооружённые силы Украины нарушили мартовский мораторий 136 раз и почти 5 000 раз – пасхальное перемирие.

На протяжении всего времени киевский режим продолжал преднамеренные и прицельные атаки на российские энергетические объекты и гражданскую инфраструктуру. Под обстрел попадали жилые дома, школы, детские сады, магазины и другие объекты, не имеющие военного значения, что привело к многочисленным жертвам среди мирного населения – погибшим и раненым.

В свою очередь ответные удары России, ответственность за которые автор публикации пытается возложить на нашу страну, являются законными и соразмерными мерами. В отличие от украинских атак, российские удары наносятся исключительно по военным объектам и инфраструктуре, используемой Вооружёнными силами Украины.

☝️Позиция России хорошо известна и остаётся неизменной. Мы по-прежнему открыты к политическому и дипломатическому урегулированию конфликта при соблюдении законных интересов нашей страны. Украина должна вернуться к нейтральному, внеблоковому и безъядерному статусу, обеспечить защиту русского языка и соблюдение прав и свобод русского и русскоязычного населения.
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⚡️ Russian Embassy comment on the article titled “Help pressurise Putin to agree to a ceasefire, Ukraine urges African countries” published by Daily Maverick on 1 July 2025

The article published by Daily Maverick, like many previous materials from this source, is met with surprise. It presents a narrative that is disconnected from the reality of Russia’s efforts to de-escalate the conflict.

Russia has never opposed a ceasefire. On the contrary, we have repeatedly demonstrated our commitment to de-escalation. In March 2025, we supported an initiative by U.S. President Donald Trump proposing a 30-day moratorium on strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. In April, we declared an Easter truce, followed by a 72-hour ceasefire from 8 to 10 May 2025, in honour of Victory Day, personally announced by President Vladimir Putin.

❗️Had these measures been respected by Kiev, they could have served as a foundation for broader and more lasting cessation of hostilities.

Regrettably, all of these initiatives were undermined by the Ukrainian side. The Armed Forces of Ukraine violated the March moratorium 136 times and breached the Easter ceasefire nearly 5,000 times.

Throughout these periods, the Kiev regime continued to carry out deliberate attacks on Russian energy facilities and civilian infrastructure. Residential buildings, schools, kindergartens, shops, and other non-military sites were targeted by Ukraine armed formations, leading to numerous civilian casualties – both killed and wounded. These are tragic and irrefutable facts.

The Russian counter-strikes referenced in the article are legitimate and proportionate responses. Unlike Ukrainian attacks, which routinely target civilian infrastructure, Russian strikes are directed at military targets and facilities used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Russia’s position is well known and remains unchanged. We remain open to a political and diplomatic resolution of the conflict.

However, any such solution must address the root causes of the crisis. Ukraine must return to a neutral, non-aligned, and non-nuclear status, ensure the protection of the Russian language, and uphold the rights and freedoms of all its citizens.

☝️Should the colleagues from Daily Maverick be interested in more facts about the situation around Ukraine, or need assistance with fact-checking, the Embassy stands ready to help.
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🇷🇺💛 July 8 in Russia marks Day of Family, Love, and Fidelity — a heartfelt holiday celebrating strong family values, lasting love, and mutual devotion.

Rooted in centuries-old tradition, the celebration honors Saints Peter and Fevronia of Murom, the Orthodox patrons of marriage and family. According to legend, Prince Peter was cured of a terrible illness by the humble peasant girl Fevronia. Despite their different social status, they married and ruled Murom together with justice and kindness.

🌼 The daisy, a flower symbolizing purity and faithfulness, has become the official emblem of the holiday.

📌 Did you know?

• The holiday was officially established in 2008, inspired by the growing popularity of Peter and Fevronia’s story.
• It serves as Russia’s heartfelt counterpart to Valentine’s Day, emphasizing not fleeting romance but lasting family bonds.
• Each year, couples who have shown strong, loving, and faithful relationships over decades of marriage are honored with public awards.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 On this day, Russians gather with family, attend church services, and participate in cultural events that highlight the values of love, loyalty, and unity.

#DiscoverRussia
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🇷🇺📈 From July 8 to 10, 2025, leading companies from St. Petersburg specializing in water supply, wastewater management, and environmental technologies are showcasing their latest developments at #IFAT Africa — the continent’s largest environmental exhibition — held in Johannesburg, South Africa.

St. Petersburg’s participation in IFAT Africa holds particular significance due to the sister-city relationship formed between St. Petersburg and Johannesburg in 2009. This partnership creates additional opportunities for professional dialogue and collaborative projects in the areas of water management and environmental technologies.

🤝 Following the official opening, a roundtable discussion titled “South Africa - Saint Petersburg (Russia) Economic Cooperation Dialogue” was held.

The roundtable brought together representatives from Russian and South African institutions in the water sector. The discussion covered export prospects for St. Petersburg companies, market entry conditions and formats, opportunities for localization and technological collaboration, as well as the development of direct business contacts and potential joint initiatives.

🇷🇺🇿🇦 On the sidelines of the event the e signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the St. Petersburg Export Support Center and the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry took place.

💬 Maria Ershova, General Director, St. Petersburg Export Support Center:
For Russia as a whole, and for St. Petersburg in particular, African countries are strategically important partners. At present, we are redirecting a significant number of services provided by our center to support export-oriented companies specifically toward this region. This is related both to logistics and to product certification, which is essential for the distribution of goods produced in St. Petersburg on the African market.

We have very ambitious plans. Next year, we aim to organize a large-scale reverse business mission and invite buyers from several African countries to St. Petersburg. There, we will be able to showcase not only the potential of St. Petersburg but, where possible, also the potential of other Russian regions.


#RussiaAfrica
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🇷🇺📈 С 8 по 10 июля 2025 года ведущие компании Санкт-Петербурга в сфере водоснабжения, водоотведения и экологических технологий представят свои разработки на крупнейшей африканской выставке IFAT Africa в Йоханнесбурге, ЮАР.

Организатором коллективной экспозиции выступает Комитет по промышленной политике, инновациям и торговле Санкт-Петербурга.

Особое значение участия Санкт-Петербурга в выставке IFAT Africa придаёт статус городов-побратимов, который Санкт-Петербург и Йоханнесбург официально получили в 2009 году.

🤝 Это партнёрство открывает дополнительные возможности для развития профессиональных контактов и реализации совместных проектов в сфере водного хозяйства и экологических технологий.

После официального открытия стенда Санкт-Петербурга, был проведён круглый стол с участием представителей водохозяйственных органов ЮАР и России.

Основными темами обсуждения стали:
• расширение экономического взаимодействия между Санкт‑Петербургом и Южно-Африканской Республикой,
• экспортные решения компаний Санкт‑Петербурга,
• обсуждение условий и форматов выхода российских компаний на рынок ЮАР.

💬 Мария Ершова, генеральный директор Санкт-Петербургского центра поддержки экспорта:
Для России в целом и для Санкт-Петербурга в частности страны Африки являются стратегически важными партнёрами. В настоящее время мы перенаправляем значительное количество услуг, оказываемых нашим центром в поддержку экспортно-ориентированных компаний, именно в этом направлении. Это связано как с логистикой, так и с сертификацией продукции, необходимой для реализации товаров производителей Санкт-Петербурга на африканском рынке.

У нас очень большие планы. В следующем году хотели бы организовать масштабную реверсную бизнес-миссию и пригласить байеров из нескольких африканских стран в Санкт-Петербург, где мы сможем продемонстрировать не только потенциал города, но и, по возможности, потенциал других регионов России.


#РоссияАфрика
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🎭 On July 3, the Russia’s Theatre of Nations hosted the premiere of Julie, a play by August Strindberg, directed by James Ngcobo – Artistic Director of the Johannesburg City Theatres (South Africa 🇿🇦).

James Ngcobo is yet another remarkable voice from South African theatre that Russian audiences are discovering this year.

Reflecting on the collaboration, he shared: “For me, it is an amazing moment when Russian and South African theatres come together. It was my first time working with Russian actors – they are amazing, with a striking presence.”


📆 The next performance of Julie is scheduled for October – don’t miss the chance to experience this powerful #RussianSouthAfrican collaboration!

Photo: Theatre of Nations Press Service

#SouthAfricansInRussia
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