By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile concluded his visit to Russia, aimed to strengthen relations between South Africa and Russia in the areas of economy and trade.
In Moscow, Mashatile met with the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, H.E. Mikhail Mishustin, and laid a wreath at a memorial site in honour of South African liberation struggle heroes John Beaver Marks and Moses Kotane.
The second phase of the visit, in St Petersburg, saw Mashatile meet with the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, and attend the 28th St Petersburg International Economic Forum 2025 (SPIEF’25), held under the theme “Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World” from 19–21 June.
Mashatile was also a guest speaker at the Russia-Africa Business Dialogue and participated in the SPIEF plenary.
In addition to his participation in SPIEF, he delivered a lecture at St Petersburg State University on the theme “South Africa’s G20 Presidency in a Rapidly Changing Geo-Political Environment” and spoke at the opening of the South African Trade and Investment Seminar.
The St Petersburg segment of the visit played a crucial role in promoting South Africa’s trade relations and positioning the country as a key investment destination.
He was accompanied by ministers including Minister of Technology and Innovation, Blade Nzimande; Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Parks Tau; Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Nokuzola Capu; and Deputy Minister of Petroleum Resources, Phumzile Mgcina.
Mashatile expressed gratitude to Putin and the Russian people for the role they played in supporting the anti-apartheid struggle and the socio-economic emancipation beyond the attainment of freedom and democracy.
“I have been tasked by the President to work tirelessly towards translation of the strong foundation of our strategic relations into higher trade and economic ties for the mutual benefit of our countries and our people.”
Mashatile said South Africa is also delighted to form part of the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, 2025, which reflects efforts to deepen trade and economic relations.
Mashatile also called on the support of Russia’s influence within the Eurasian Economic Union to reconsider South Africa from a developed to a developing country, as this has a significant impact on South African products and trade to the Eurasian market.
For his part, Putin affirmed that relations between Russia and South Africa are developing successfully on the basis of a comprehensive strategic partnership, equality, and mutual respect.
He highlighted that bilateral trade between SA and Russia saw an increase of approximately 2% in 2024, and said this will continue to expand.
“Overall, strengthening ties with African nations remains one of our key priorities. As you know, following the second Russia-Africa Summit held here in St Petersburg in 2023, a substantial package of joint documents was adopted, including a policy declaration and an action plan through to 2026. Russia, South Africa, and other African partners are working collaboratively to implement these plans in practice.”
Despite modest trade numbers and distinct cultures and languages, Russia and South Africa have a long-standing relationship molded by history and common global interests.
Both are founding members of the BRICS alliance, working closely together on political and economic issues that threaten Western dominance.