Russia and South Africa remain friends, insists Pandor

Pandor hosted the 17th South Africa-Russia Joint Inter-Governmental Committee with the Russian Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Alexander Kozlov in Pretoria on Thursday.

South Africa’s refusal to condemn Russia’s invasion of neighbouring Ukraine in February 2022 has been met with fierce criticism in some quarters.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has already maintained that the South African government believes the conflict can be resolved through peaceful negotiations.

On Thursday, Pandor told the media the historical link between South Africa and Russian Federation remain strong.

"You would see minister that there is a great deal of media interest in our meeting because there are some who don't wish us to have relations with an old historical friend.

“We have made it clear that Russia is a friend, and we have had cooperative partnerships for many many years, including partnerships as we combated the apartheid regime which decimated our people and our country.

“And while we are friends with many all over the world, we cannot become sudden enemies at the demand of others," says Pandor.

She added that SA remain hopeful that Russia and Ukraine can find a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

"We as South Africa remain hopeful that we can find a diplomatic solution to the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

“We believe such a peaceful resolution will be beneficial to both countries but also to the global communities, as all of us are impacted upon both by the sanctions as well as by the conflict,"

“Pressure is mounting for South Africa to arrest Putin after the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for his arrest.

South Africa will host the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India and China at the 15th BRICS Summit from 22 to 24 August in Durban.

Putin is expected to travel to the country in August for the summit amid an arrest warrant issued for him by the International Criminal Court.

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