Dmitry Medvedev held talks with South African Vice President David Mabuza

On November 3, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev held talks with Deputy Chairman of the African National Congress (ANC) Party, Vice President of the Republic of South Africa (South Africa) David Mabuza.

During the conversation, the issues of further activation of inter-party ties were discussed in detail. In this regard, David Mabuza indicated readiness for a more active involvement of the APK in international events organized through United Russia, including in the BRICS format. The intention to form an inter–party negotiating platform within the framework of the II Russia-Africa summit scheduled for July 2023 has been confirmed.

Dmitry Medvedev expressed gratitude to the South African leadership for a balanced position on the situation around the Ukrainian crisis. In turn, the Vice President of South Africa expressed his full understanding of the causes of the conflict in Ukraine, stressing that Moscow "has every right to defend its sovereignty."

Turning to the discussion of issues related to ensuring food security in the context of the Ukrainian conflict, Dmitry Medvedev explained in detail the steps taken by Moscow in this area, including strict compliance with the Istanbul package agreements on the export of Ukrainian grain and the promotion of Russian food and fertilizers to world markets.

At the same time, Russia confirmed its readiness, in case of unforeseen circumstances, to provide African partners with part of its agricultural products free of charge. In this context, David Mabuza expressed deep gratitude to our country for the steps taken to minimize the provoked threats of famine.

The Deputy Chairman of the APK also thanked the USSR and Russia for the consistent support of African liberation movements, especially the APK in the fight against the apartheid regime.

In turn, the head of United Russia stressed the importance of intensifying joint efforts to counter modern practices of neocolonialism, including by creating an appropriate Forum with active use of the capabilities of leading political parties in Russia and South Africa. In this context, taking into account the personal contribution of the first President of South Africa Nelson Mandela to the liberation of the African continent from colonialism, Dmitry Medvedev informed about the decision taken by the Moscow authorities to rename one of the capital's squares in his honor.

At the same time, the sides exchanged views on topical issues of cooperation in the field of trade and investment, as well as education and tourism.

"As for economic cooperation, our trade turnover has increased by almost 20% recently. This trend should be consolidated," Dmitry Medvedev concluded.