Russian Prime Minister Welcomed To South Africa Amid Controversy

South Africa has resisted western pressure to condemn Russia and defended its neutral stance on the conflict in Ukraine by welcoming Lavrov, Russian Prime Minister to South Africa.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was welcomed by his South African counterpart for talks in Pretoria on Monday, January 23, 2023.

"Last year in 2022, we commemorated 30 years of diplomatic relations between South Africa and the Russian Federation. 

"The rich history of our relations of course date back to the period of the struggle against apartheid which the people of South Africa fought in their quest for political and economic freedom."

Naledi Pandor, South African Foreign Minister, said ahead of the meeting that the talks will "strengthen the existing strong relations" between the two countries.

She characterised Russia as a "valuable partner" while sitting next to Lavrov.

South Africa recently took the presidency of the BRICS, a grouping comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, and China formed to challenge the prevailing US- and European-led global governance systems.

It stated last week that it will hold 10-day combined maritime exercises with Russia and China off the coasts of Durban and Richards Bay in February.