Russian President Vladimir Putin and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa held talks on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in India, reaffirming the importance of their bilateral relationship and identifying opportunities to deepen economic, educational and diplomatic cooperation.
The meeting comes as Russia and South Africa mark 20 years since the signing of their Treaty on Friendship and Partnership in 2006. Putin said the relationship between the two countries continues to develop successfully, with political dialogue, parliamentary relations and regular engagement between their foreign ministries remaining active.
“Russia attaches great importance to the comprehensive development of relations with African countries as a whole,” Putin said, highlighting Moscow’s broader focus on strengthening ties across the continent.
Trade was among the key areas discussed. Putin acknowledged that bilateral trade is not growing at a rapid pace but said it continues to increase and remains at a solid level.Ramaphosa agreed that trade between the two countries has room for significant expansion.
“Trade obviously needs to be much better,” Ramaphosa said, while pointing to several areas where the two countries could improve commercial relations.
The South African president also highlighted the role of recent government engagements in strengthening economic ties. He referenced the 18th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation, which took place in Moscow in April 2025.
According to Ramaphosa, the meeting provided an important opportunity for both countries to review progress and identify new areas of collaboration.
The leaders also discussed education and skills development. Russia has increased its scholarship quota for South African students to 100 places for the 2026 to 2027 academic year.
Putin described education, personnel training and humanitarian cooperation as longstanding areas of engagement between Russia and South Africa.
Ramaphosa welcomed the continued support, thanking Russia for its assistance with the training of South African students.
The discussion also touched on South Africa’s G20 presidency and Russia’s support for Pretoria’s priorities. Ramaphosa said Russia’s backing contributed to the successful outcome of the G20 summit hosted by South Africa.
He also stressed that South Africa intends to continue working with Russia through international forums on broader efforts to promote peace.A major focus of the conversation was the upcoming third Russia Africa Summit, scheduled to take place in Moscow from October 28 to October 29.
Putin said preparations for the summit are progressing and identified digital technologies, artificial intelligence, peaceful uses of nuclear energy and food security among the key areas expected to feature on the agenda.
The summit is expected to provide another platform for African governments and Russian officials to discuss economic partnerships, technology, investment and broader cooperation.Putin expressed his expectation that South Africa would send a representative delegation to the gathering.
Ramaphosa said he would not personally attend because South Africa’s local government elections are scheduled shortly after the summit, requiring his participation in the campaign. However, he confirmed that South Africa would be represented.
The South African president also said Pretoria remains interested in Russia’s perspectives on ongoing international conflicts and peace initiatives.
The latest meeting demonstrates the continued strategic engagement between Moscow and Pretoria at a time when African countries are seeking broader international partnerships across trade, investment, technology, education and economic development.
For African businesses and investors, the emphasis on trade expansion, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, food security and skills development could create additional areas for cooperation as Russia and African countries prepare for the next Russia Africa Summit.
The discussions between Putin and Ramaphosa also reinforce the growing importance of Africa’s partnerships with multiple global economic and political powers as governments across the continent pursue opportunities that can support investment, industrial development and economic growth.
