Deputy President Mashatile Concludes Successful Visit to Russia.

South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile has wrapped up a week-long working visit to Russia, aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and economic relations between the two countries. The visit, which took place from June 17 to 21, 2025, included stops in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Key Highlights of the Visit:

– Meetings with Russian Leaders: Deputy President Mashatile met with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to discuss cooperation in economy, trade, and energy. He also had a bilateral meeting with President Vladimir Putin, expressing gratitude for Russia’s support during South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle.

– Economic Cooperation: The Deputy President emphasized enhancing economic ties in sectors like agriculture, automotive, energy, and mining, as well as science and technology cooperation.

– St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF ’25): Mashatile participated in the plenary session, highlighting Africa’s growing importance in global economic governance and the need for equitable partnerships.

– Parliamentary Diplomacy: He met with Chairperson of the Federal Council, Valentina Matvienko, and Chairman of the State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, appreciating continued cooperation between the Russian and South African parliaments.

Outcomes and Future Directions:

The visit aimed to leverage global platforms like SPIEF to promote South Africa’s trade relations and investment opportunities. With Africa projected to exceed 2.5 billion in population by 2050, Mashatile emphasized the continent’s potential to drive industrialization, digital transformation, and sustainable development through equitable partnerships.