EPUTY PRESIDENT MASHATILE EMBARKS ON WORKING VISIT TO RUSSIA

BY LERATO PHOSISI

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile has arrived in Moscow, Russia, on a working visit aimed at strengthening bilateral economic and trade ties between South Africa and Russia.

The visit, which will take place in two cities, Moscow and st. Petersburg, will focus on enhancing economic cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, automotive, energy, and mining industries, as well as science and technology cooperation.

During his visit, Deputy President Mashatile will meet with high-ranking Russian officials, including Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and President Vladimir Putin. He will also participate in the 28th st. Petersburg international economic forum (SPIEF ’25), which will take place from June 19-21, 2025, under the theme ‘’shared values: the foundation of growth in a Multipolar world’’.

The Deputy President’s visit aims to promote South Africa’s trade relations and position the country as an attractive investment destination. He will deliver a public lecture at the st. Pietersburg state university on ‘’South Africa’s G20 presidency in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment’’ and participate in the Russia Africa business dialogue.

The visit is part of series of high-level engagement between South Africa and Russia, following recent visits by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy Minister Thandi Moraka, Minister Ronald Lamola, and Minister Angie Motshega.

A delegation of South African Ministers and Deputy Ministers accompanies Deputy President Mashatile, including ministers blade Nzimande, Pemmy Majodina, Parks Tau, and Deputy Ministers Alvin Botes, Nokuzola Capa, Sihle Zikalala, Phumzile Mgcina, and Peace Mabe.

The working visit is expected to yield significant outcomes for economic cooperation between the two countries, further solidifying South Africa’s relations with Russia.