By Staff Reporter
Deputy President Paul Mashatile and several Cabinet members are on working visit in Moscow and St. Petersburg this week to strengthen bilateral economic and trade ties between South Africa and Russia.
The Presidency said the visit would focus on enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries in sectors such as agriculture, automotive, energy, mining, science and technology.
The second part of the working visit will include Mashatile meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin and participating in the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2025 (SPIEF ’25), held under the theme “Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World”. The forum will take place from 19-21 June 2025.
Mashatile will also address the Russia-Africa Business Dialogue.
The Presidency said the St. Petersburg leg of the visit was expected to leverage on promoting South Africa’s trade relations and South Africa as an investment destination.
The trip is preceded by a number of high-level visits between the two countries.
Mashatile is accompanied by the International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Alvin Botes, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau, Agriculture Deputy Minister Nokuzola Capa, Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala, Mineral and Petroleum Resources Deputy Minister Phumzile Mgcina, and Sport, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister Peace Mabe.
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