Deputy President Paul Mashatile returned to South Africa on Monday, after concluding what he described as a “successful Working Visit” to Russia aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and economic relations between both countries.
During his visit, Mashatile expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for Russia’s support of the anti-apartheid struggle.
Mashatile arrived in Moscow last week Tuesday, where he was received by Russia’s Deputy Head of State Protocol Andrei Milyaev; Deputy Director of African Department Andrei Stotlarov; and International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Alvin Botes.
Acting spokesperson to Mashatile Keith Khoza explained that the Working Visit kicked off with Mashatile laying wreaths at the Mausoleum of Moses Kotane and J.B Marks at the Novodevichy Cemetery, and UN Heritage Site, in Moscow.
"I have been tasked by the President to work tirelessly towards translation of the strong foundation of our strategic relations into higher trade and economic ties for the mutual benefit of our countries and our people," said Mashatile.
In St. Petersburg, Mashatile had a bilateral meeting with Putin and his Russian delegation that included Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Mashatile delivered remarks during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF’25), which was held between June 18 and 21, where he highlighted the importance of the forum for global dialogue on economic cooperation, investment, innovation, and inclusive growth.
"As we look to the future, the importance of the Global South in shaping international economic governance is undeniable. Africa is fast becoming a centre of global growth. With a population projected to exceed 2.5-billion by 2050, a rising middle class, and a youthful demographic dividend, the continent has the potential to drive the next wave of industrialisation, digital transformation, and sustainable development.
“Africa is not in search of handouts; rather, it is pursuing equitable partnerships. It seeks equitable access to markets, capital, knowledge, and technology. This is where global platforms like SPIEF become crucial,” said Mashatile.
Other activities of the Deputy President included addressing the South African Trade and Investment Seminar at the SPIEF’25, attended by Russian and South African business and government leaders themed ‘Russia–South Africa: Business and Investment Cooperation’; a meeting with Chairperson of the Federal Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko.
The Deputy President also met with Chairperson of the State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin and discussed continued cooperation between the Russian State Duma and the South African Parliament over the years, as well as the importance of parliamentary diplomacy as a tool to amplify government efforts, foster dialogue and use legislative tools to unlock progress in trade and other areas.
In Moscow, Mashatile met Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin at the House of the government of the Russian Federation for a discussion on opportunities for bilateral political and economic cooperation between South Africa and Russia to unlock areas of further cooperation in trade and investment, minerals and energy, agriculture, health and education.
At the conclusion of his visit, Mashatile sat down with two of Russia’s major television news networks, Russia Today and Sputnik Africa, where he reflected on some of the key takeaways from the Working Visit, including a particular focus on enhancing economic cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, automotive, energy and mining industries as well as science and technology cooperation.
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