By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Defence Minister Thandi Modise says South Africa has a “cordial relationship” with Russia, and will continue to put the country’s interests first.
Modise has defended her attendance of an international security conference in Moscow two weeks ago.
On Wednesday, she gave reasons for her trip to Russia during a question-and-answer session in the National Assembly.
Modise was asked about her recent official visit to Russia, amid the global outrage of its invasion of Ukraine.
“The acceptance of the invitation was seen as a crucial step to articulate South Africa’s position on the need for the maintenance of international peace and security.
“We obey all nation states from across the continent, and we would similarly have accepted an invitation had it come from the State of Israel given the conflict ongoing there,” she added.
South Africa has taken a hard stance against Israel over its conflict with Palestine.
At the conference earlier this month, Modise spoke tough against warmongers.
“Through our own silence in action and selective morality, we have allowed warlords to reign supreme in the world and thus allowing their deadly agendas to flourish unabated. The world can no longer afford to be held to ransom by warmongers,” she said.
Modise also told MPs South Africa should never run away from dealing with issues of toxic national interests.
Meanwhile foreign ministers in the European Union have agreed to suspend a 2007 visa facilitation deal with Russia, over its invasion of Ukraine.