Deputy Minister Botes to travel to Russia and Belarus for Political Consultations
10 December 2023
The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, will, from 11-14 December 2023, undertake a Working Visit to Russia and Belarus. The purpose of the Working Visit to Eastern Europe is for Political Consultations at the Deputy Minister level.
Russia
South Africa and Russia enjoy excellent bilateral relations at a strategic level, bilaterally and in the multilateral sphere. The Working Visit to Russia will be an opportunity for both countries to focus their efforts on deepening these ties, especially in the area of economic cooperation where considerable progress is being made but has not yet reached the level of political relations.
During the visit of HE Minister Lavrov to South Africa in January 2023, it was agreed that Political Consultations between South Africa and the Russian Federation should take place at the level of Deputy Ministers. This meeting between Deputy Minister Botes and Deputy Minister Bogdanov will form the First Round of Political Consultations following the commitment made during the visit of Minister Lavrov.