Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The meeting took place as part of the working visit of the Vice President of the Republic of South Africa Paul Mashatile to the Russian Federation.
M. Mishustin: Good afternoon, dear Mr. Mashatile! Dear friends!
Welcome to the Government House of the Russian Federation. I know that this is your first visit to the Russian Federation as Vice President of South Africa, although you have been to Russia several times before. And I would like to welcome you personally and your delegation to Moscow, to the Russian Federation.
We highly value the trusting and meaningful dialogue with the Republic of South Africa. Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and South African President Mr. Ramaphosa are in constant contact – both bilaterally and at international venues. And, of course, first and foremost in the BRICS association.
We attach great importance to expanding cooperation with the Republic of South Africa. It is based on the principles of a comprehensive strategic partnership, mutual respect and consideration of each other’s interests.
Through governments, we ensure the implementation of agreements between the leaders of Russia and South Africa on expanding cooperation. We are talking (we have already briefly exchanged opinions) about industry, energy, agriculture, the digital economy and, of course, humanitarian cooperation.
We propose to work out new cooperation projects in a mixed intergovernmental committee. On the Russian side, it is headed by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Alexander Kozlov.
In addition to Moscow, I know that you plan to visit St. Petersburg and take part in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. It is very important that the forum will host a special session on the development of business and investment cooperation between Russia and South Africa. I am confident that this will contribute to the restoration of business contacts, the emergence of new ideas and initiatives that will strengthen our cooperation.
A few words about the humanitarian sphere. We are interested in cooperation here too, of course. First of all, in the area of personnel training. South African citizens study at leading Russian universities. They choose sought-after professions of engineers, doctors, and IT specialists. We are happy about this. We consider it very important to hold joint events in the field of culture and art on a regular basis. Last year, the Days of Russian Spiritual Culture were held in South Africa for the first time. And this year we will hold a Festival of Russian Culture.
Dear Mr. Mashatile, I am ready to discuss with you the most important issues of cooperation between Russia and South Africa.
To be continued…
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