Minister Ronald Lamola
By Thobeka Makume
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has concluded a two-day working visit to Russia, aimed at bolstering bilateral relations and addressing global challenges. During his time in Moscow, Lamola co-chaired the 18th session of the Joint Inter-Governmental Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) with Russia’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Alexander Kozlov, and held significant discussions with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Boosting Economic and Trade Ties through ITEC
The ITEC session served as a vital platform for enhancing trade and economic cooperation between South Africa and Russia. This structured bilateral mechanism facilitated a thorough review of collaboration across multiple sectors, including:
- Trade and Investment: Exploring opportunities to increase economic exchanges.
- Agriculture: Strengthening agricultural partnerships and trade.
- Education: Promoting knowledge-sharing and academic cooperation.
- Digital Technologies: Advancing innovation and technological collaboration.
- Mass Communication: Enhancing media and information exchanges.
- Transport: Improving connectivity and logistics cooperation.
The discussions highlighted the mutual commitment to deepening economic ties, building on the longstanding relationship between the two nations.
Diplomatic Engagement with Sergey Lavrov
On the sidelines of the ITEC session, Minister Lamola met with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov for a constructive dialogue. The meeting reaffirmed the strong diplomatic ties between South Africa and Russia. According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), “The discussions underscored the enduring diplomatic ties between South Africa and the Russian Federation.”
Lamola expressed gratitude for Russia’s support of South Africa’s Group of 20 (G20) Presidency, a role that amplifies the country’s voice in global economic governance. He also commended Russia’s backing of efforts to reform the United Nations Security Council, advocating for greater representation of the Global South, particularly African nations, in multilateral institutions.
Addressing the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
A key focus of Lamola’s visit was South Africa’s stance on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The minister voiced deep concern over its humanitarian toll, including: - Loss of Civilian Lives: Highlighting the tragic human cost of the war.
- Infrastructure Damage: Noting the destruction of essential facilities.
- Regional Instability: Addressing the broader geopolitical ramifications.
Reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to global peace, Lamola called for an immediate end to hostilities and urged a resolution through inclusive dialogue and diplomacy. “South Africa reiterates its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities to facilitate a negotiated settlement,” the DIRCO statement emphasized. The country pledged its support for credible, multilateral efforts to address the conflict’s root causes and achieve a just and sustainable peace.
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