South Africa sees Russia as valued ally – Ramaphosa

Ramaphosa began his visit to Kazan on Tuesday with a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He is attending the three-day BRICS summit, the first gathering since the bloc's expansion.

The group now represents 43% of the world’s population and 27% of global GDP.

He is accompanied by Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola, Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, and Minister of Trade and Industry Parks Tau.

"We look forward to this evening, where we have been invited and to the summit itself, to participate with all other countries, under your leadership, to deal with matters that are of such great importance, in geo-political terms and everything that has been happening around the country,” Ramaphosa said.

“But also on matters that have to do with trade, climate change, peace and security.

“We are also delighted to brief you and others of the journey we embarked upon as South Africa to form a government of national unity since our elections in May. We will have time to talk more about that, to talk about the journey of governing South Africa with other parties.”

Ramaphosa added, "We continue to see Russia as a valued ally, as a valued friend who supported us right from the beginning, from the days of our struggle against apartheid, right through to now.”

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