MOSCOW/PRETORIA, February 10 – Russian President Vladimir Putin and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa held a telephone conversation on Monday, focusing on bilateral cooperation and international affairs, according to official statements from both governments.

The two leaders reviewed the Russia–South Africa Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which has guided relations between the two countries in areas such as trade, investment, and infrastructure development.

Moscow and Pretoria have deepened ties in recent years, particularly through their membership in BRICS, the bloc that also includes Brazil, India, and China, and the G20, where coordination on global economic issues has been emphasised.

During the call, Ramaphosa expressed support for Russia’s efforts to pursue apolitical and diplomatic settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, a position that aligns with South Africa’s broader foreign policy stance of advocating dialogue

Putin Praises Diplomats, Calls for Stronger Global Role on Diplomatic Workers’ Day

MOSCOW — President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday sent greetings to current and former staff of Russia’s Foreign Ministry on Diplomatic Worker’s Day, urging them to continue their work with “creativity, energy, and initiative” amid what he described as growing global instability.

In his message, Putin highlighted the long tradition of Russian diplomacy, saying it has “always served the Fatherland with dignity and integrity, demonstrating genuine patriotism, dedication to duty, civic courage, and a high level of professionalism.”

The president stressed that Russia’s foreign policy must make “consistent and comprehensive use of all instruments” to safeguard national security, defend its interests, and secure conditions for development.

He underscored priorities including strengthening ties with allies in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), advancing Eurasian integration, and deepening cooperation with what he termed the “Global Majority” to build a multipolar world order based on international law.

Putin also pointed to the importance of promoting the Russian language, protecting the rights of compatriots abroad, and fostering a positive image of Russia internationally.

Diplomatic Workers’ Day, marked annually on February 10, honours the contributions of Russian diplomats past and present.

Lavrov, Tanzanian Foreign Minister Discuss Expanding Ties, Deliver Presidential Message in Moscow

MOSCOW, February 9 — Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks with Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, who arrived in Moscow on a special mission.

Kombo delivered a message from Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan to Russian President Vladimir Putin, which Lavrov said would be conveyed without delay.

The ministers discussed strengthening bilateral ties, with emphasis on expanding cooperation in trade, economic, and investment sectors. They underscored the importance of advancing existing agreements ahead of the Third Session of the Joint Intergovernmental Russian–Tanzanian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, scheduled for May 2026.

On international and regional issues, both sides reaffirmed their shared support for a polycentric world order based on justice and equality. They pledged to deepen cooperation and coordinate positions within the United Nations and other multilateral frameworks.

Lavrov noted that 2026 marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Tanzania, highlighting plans for commemorative events. He also reiterated Russia’s invitation for President Hassan to visit Moscow and emphasised ongoing collaboration within the Russia–Africa strategic partnership, including preparations for the next Russia–Africa Summit.