During negotiations with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin at the BRICS summit in Kazan on Tuesday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa referred to Moscow as a “valued ally” and friend.
Leaders from two dozen countries are set to attend the three-day summit in Russia, as Putin strives to form a global alliance to challenge what he considers the West’s “hegemony”.
“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,” Ramaphosa told Putin during talks, according to an AFP reporter.
Putin said Moscow’s relations with South Africa were based on “strategic partnership, equality, and mutual respect”.
“And, of course, Russia attatches particular importance to strengthening relations with the countries of the African continent,” the Kremlin chief added.
BRICS held its 2023 summit in Johannesburg but Putin did not attend in person, after the International Criminal Court — of which South Africa is a member — issued a warrant for his arrest.
South Africa has abstained from UN resolutions condemning Russia’s February 2022 military offensive against Ukraine but has called for an end to the conflict, spearheading an African “peace mission” to both countries last year.