Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, according to the Kremlin press service. The conversation reflected a continuing, high-level dialogue between Moscow and Pretoria, underscoring ongoing efforts to deepen political and economic ties that span trade, investment, and strategic cooperation across multiple sectors. The call highlighted the two leaders’ shared focus on advancing practical collaboration, aligning their positions on key international issues, and maintaining steady contact as global circumstances evolve.
Ramaphosa’s remarks, relayed by the press service, emphasized the positive outcomes of the Russia-Africa summit held in St. Petersburg and indicated that the discussions around the summit’s conclusions would reinforce Russia’s partnerships with African states. The South African president stressed that the summit’s results are expected to translate into tangible benefits, reinforcing a cooperative framework that supports development, regional stability, and enhanced economic engagement between Russia and the African continent. In this context, both sides signaled a readiness to translate diplomatic pledges into concrete actions that can bolster mutual growth and mutual interests.
During the dialogue, the two leaders reviewed concrete cooperation programs between Russia and South Africa, with a clear emphasis on expanding trade, deepening economic links, and accelerating investment flows. The discussion touched on a broad range of sectors including energy, mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and technology, as well as the regulatory and logistical steps necessary to facilitate smoother cross-border cooperation. The leaders also addressed the importance of building resilient supply chains, improving infrastructure connectivity, and fostering a climate conducive to joint ventures and long-term partnerships that can benefit both nations’ citizens.
Preparations for the BRICS summit scheduled for 23-24 August in Johannesburg were another focal point of the exchange. Putin and Ramaphosa reviewed the agenda, potential outcomes, and the role of BRICS in shaping a multipolar international order that respects sovereignty, promotes inclusive growth, and supports peaceful resolution of conflicts. The two leaders reaffirmed the value of BRICS as a platform for dialogue among major emerging economies and a mechanism for coordinating positions on shared interests on global matters, ranging from trade rules to sustainable development and regional security considerations.
The pair also acknowledged the broader international context in which these discussions take place, noting that the world is navigating a complex array of challenges that require practical collaboration and constructive engagement. The Kremlin’s account suggests a mutual desire to sustain a forward-looking, results-oriented trajectory in which dialogue translates into real-world benefits. In this spirit, both leaders affirmed their commitment to maintaining open channels of communication and to pursuing actions that align with the priorities identified during the Russia-Africa summit and the ongoing BRICS process.
In the lead-up to the BRICS gathering, Ramaphosa invited a broad coalition of state leaders and representatives of international organizations to participate, reflecting the bloc’s aim to broaden engagement and foster broader cooperation on shared challenges. The invitation underscores the role BRICS as a forum for diverse perspectives and a convening space for dialogue among countries pursuing inclusive, sustainable development. Putin’s engagement with Ramaphosa in this context signals a continued emphasis on partnership within Africa and across BRICS, with the overarching goal of bolstering stability, prosperity, and collaborative solutions on the international stage.