Working Visit to the Russian Federation @KASIBCNEWS
Minister Lamola has concluded a two-day working visit to the Russian Federation. During his visit to Moscow, Minister Lamola co-chaired the 18th session of the Joint Inter-Governmental Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) alongside Mr. Alexander Kozlov, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation. ITEC is a structured bilateral mechanism aimed at enhancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation between South Africa and the Russian Federation.
The 18th ITEC session facilitated a comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including:
- Trade and Investment: Strengthening economic partnerships and exploring opportunities for mutual growth.
- Agriculture:Enhancing collaboration in sustainable agricultural practices and food security.
- Education:Expanding academic exchanges and skills development initiatives.
- Digital Technologies and Mass Communication: Advancing innovation and connectivity in the digital era.
- Transport:Promoting infrastructure development and logistical efficiency.
On the margins of the ITEC proceedings, Minister Lamola held a constructive dialogue with Mr. Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. The discussions underscored the enduring diplomatic ties between South Africa and the Russian Federation.
Minister Lamola extended sincere appreciation to the Russian Federation for its unwavering support for South Africa’s G20 Presidency and its advocacy for the reform of the United Nations Security Council to ensure that there is equitable representation of the Global South, including African nations, within multilateral institutions.
In reaffirming South Africa’s principled commitment to global peace and stability, Minister Lamola emphasised the urgent imperative of resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict through inclusive dialogue and diplomacy. He articulated profound concern over the devastating humanitarian consequences of the conflict, including the tragic loss of civilian lives, destruction of critical infrastructure, and broader regional instability.
South Africa reiterates its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities to pave the way for a negotiated settlement. Such a process must be anchored in the principles of international law, including the United Nations Charter, and uphold the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of all states. South Africa stands ready to support all credible inclusive multilateral efforts aimed at addressing the root causes of conflicts , achieving a just, sustainable, and comprehensive peace.
South Africa participates in several initiatives aimed at bringing about peace between Russia and Ukraine, including the African Peace Initiative, the Ukraine Peace Formula process and the Joint Group of Friends for Peace. South Africa’s approach in these processes are to emphasise peace and the acceleration of humanitarian assistance. In this regard, at the held Ministerial Conference on the Human Dimension of the Ukraine Peace Formula that was held in Montreal, Canada, in October 2024, South Africa agreed to work with Qatar and the Holy See to engage with both parties to the conflict regarding the return of children to Ukraine.
South Africa remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering international cooperation and peaceful resolution to conflicts.
