The participation of the SA government at the First Ministerial Russia-Africa Partnership is testament to the close-knit bilateral relations between Moscow and Pretoria. This is according to the Deputy Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Ms Thandi Moraka.
She was speaking in an exclusive interview with the online news site Global South Media Network (GSMN.CO.ZA) following the conclusion of the inaugural multilateral meeting in Sochi, Russia, from 9-10 November. The meeting was attended by the bulk majority of the foreign affairs ministers from the continent, or their representatives. Also in attendance was the top leadership of the AU and other continental regional bodies, including ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States).
“We came here and were well-received. We came here with one position – the position of making sure we sell our foreign policy to the rest of the countries that are within the continent and also in the Russian Federation,” Ms Moraka said.
She continued: “As you know we share strong ties with the Russian Federation that date back to the Soviet Union era. Up to now we are together with the Russian government in the BRICS arrangement. We are looking forward to the Declaration (of the conference) wherein we are looking into partnerships and cooperation with the Russian government in areas that concern economic and political issues that are taking place within the continent of Africa and South African context.”
Ms Moraka was among the most visible delegates at the well-attended Forum hosted by Russia’s veteran foreign affairs minister Sergey Lavrov, who appealed to Africa and the Global South to rid themselves off the lingering legacy of colonialism. Russia can be a trusted partner in the industrialization and collective development of the African continent, Lavrov said in his closing remarks of the conference. “Today we discussed our desires without blackmail,” added Russia’s top diplomat.
Ms Moraka was also tasked to be a part of select group of leaders to join their Russian counterpart during the unveiling of a plague at the Garden of Friendship in Sirius, also in Sochi, Russia.
