South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa described Russia as a “valued ally” and friend, emphasizing the long-standing ties between the two nations during talks at the BRICS summit in Kazan,.
Ramaphosa while speaking with Russian President, Vladimir Putin, highlighted Russia’s support for South Africa, dating back to its fight against apartheid. “We continue to see Russia as a valued ally, as a valued friend, who supported us from the days of our struggle against apartheid through to the present,” Ramaphosa said.
Putin, in turn, affirmed the strength of Moscow’s relationship with South Africa, describing it as one of “strategic partnership, equality, and mutual respect.” He also stressed the importance of reinforcing ties with African nations, stating that Russia places particular emphasis on its relationships across the continent.
Leaders from over twenty countries are expected to attend the three-day BRICS summit, where Putin is seeking to bolster alliances aimed at countering what he refers to as Western “hegemony.”
While BRICS held its 2023 summit in Johannesburg, Putin did not attend in person due to the International Criminal Court’s warrant for his arrest, stemming from Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.
South Africa, a member of the ICC, abstained from UN resolutions condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, although it has called for an end to the conflict. Last year, South Africa led an African “peace mission” to both Russia and Ukraine in an effort to mediate the situation.
