On the sidelines of the BRICS summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in bilateral discussions with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The meeting focused on strengthening the partnership between the two nations across various sectors, particularly trade, energy, and regional security.
During their exchange, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing economic cooperation, emphasizing the importance of BRICS as a platform for fostering development in member countries. They discussed expanding bilateral trade and the potential for increased Russian investments in South Africa, especially in areas like energy, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
Putin and Ramaphosa also reviewed geopolitical challenges affecting the African continent and addressed the impact of Western sanctions on Russia, underlining the significance of collaboration to navigate global economic shifts. The discussions included cooperation within multilateral organizations, such as the United Nations, with a focus on promoting a multipolar world order.
The bilateral meeting underlines Russia’s efforts to maintain and deepen its relationships with key African partners amidst the evolving global political landscape.