Deputy President Paul Mashatile has arrived in Moscow for a working visit aimed at strengthening economic and trade ties between South Africa and Russia.
The Deputy President was received at the airport on Tuesday by the Deputy Head of State Protocol, Andrei Milyaev, the Deputy Director of the African Department, Andrei Stolyarov, and South Africa's Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes.
According to the Deputy President's Office, the visit will focus on enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries in sectors such as agriculture, automotive, energy, and mining industries, as well as cooperation in science and technology.
"It will take place in two cities, namely Moscow and St. Petersburg, for high-level engagements as well as economic diplomacy activities," the Deputy President's Office said in a statement.
In Moscow, Mashatile will meet with the Prime Minister of Russia, Mikhail Mishutin, and lay a wreath at the memorial site dedicated to South Africa's liberation stalwarts, John Beaver (JB) Marks and Moses Kotane.
Following this, he will participate in the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF2025). This year's forum will be held from 19 - 21 June under the theme: "Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World".
The Deputy President will participate in the plenary session of SPIEF2025 and has also received an invitation to speak at the Russia-Africa Business Dialogue.
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In addition, he is scheduled to deliver a public lecture at St. Petersburg State University on the topic: "South Africa's G20 Presidency in a Rapidly Changing Geopolitical Environment".
He will also address attendees at the opening of the South African Trade and Investment Seminar.
The St. Petersburg leg of the visit aims to enhance South Africa's trade relationships and establish the country as a prime investment destination.
According to the Deputy President's Office, this trip is Mashatile's first visit to Russia since he took office under the seventh administration.
He is accompanied by a delegation of Ministers and Deputy Ministers, who are part of the Economic Sectors, Investment, Employment and Infrastructure Development Cabinet Cluster.
This includes the Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande; Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina; Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau; Agriculture Deputy Minister Nokuzola Capa; Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala; Mineral and Petroleum Resources Deputy Minister, Phumzile Mgcina, and Sport, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister, Peace Mabe.
