Media Statement
23 October 2019
President Ramaphosa arrives in Russia for the Russia-Africa Summit
President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Sochi in the Russian Federation where he is leading a South African delegation to the first Russia-Africa Summit to take place on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 October 2019.
The forum will focus on key areas of cooperation between Russia and African countries.
The discussions are framed by three thematic pillars: “Forging Economic Ties”, “Creating Joint Projects”, and “Collaborating in the Humanitarian and Social Sector”.
While in Russia, President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to attend the inaugural Russia-Africa Economic Forum; have bilateral meetings with President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation and other Heads of State and Government attending the Summit.
President Ramaphosa will also address the first Russia-Africa Summit Plenary session.
The summit is expected to deepen friendly relations between the Russian Federation and countries of the African continent at both bilateral and multilateral levels; forge closer collaboration on regional and international issues of common interest, raise strategic dialogue between Russia and African countries to a qualitatively higher level, and contribute to peace, security and sustainable development on the African continent.
The Russia-Africa Summit will also contribute towards the overall objective of addressing the aspirations of African countries as encapsulated in Agenda 2063.
As the continental development blueprint, Agenda 2063 calls for a people-centred developmental process that ensures, inter alia, economic diversification and growth in order to eradicate poverty, unemployment and inequality.
The participation of South Africa at this inaugural summit is in line with the South African Foreign Policy pillar of encouraging South-North Cooperation in various technical fields, as well as promoting economic development.
Bilateral relations between the Republic of South Africa and the Russian Federation are at optimal level and continue to grow from strength to strength.
President Ramaphosa is accompanied by the Ministers of International Relations and Co-operation, Dr Naledi Pandor, Public Enterprise Mr Pravin Gordhan, State Security, Ms Ayanda Dlodlo and Communications and Digital Technologies, Ms Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams.
Deputy President David Mabuza is appointed Acting President for the duration of the President’s trip abroad.
Enquires: Ms Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
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