MOSCOW, July 22, 2025 — Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov welcomed Mozambique’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Maria Lucas to Moscow for high-level talks aimed at strengthening long-standing ties between the two nations.

In his opening remarks, Lavrov emphasized the historical roots of the partnership, dating back to Mozambique’s national liberation era. He highlighted the symbolic significance of their 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, which coincides with Mozambique’s independence day.

“This is not the first time Madame Minister visits our capital,” Lavrov noted, recalling Lucas’s previous visits in her capacity as Deputy Minister and as co-chair of the Intergovernmental Commission for Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation. He commended Mozambique’s constructive diplomatic approach and expressed appreciation for its hospitality during his own visits, the latest being in 2023.

Lavrov praised the ongoing cooperation across economic, humanitarian, and defense sectors, underscoring regular contact between the two countries’ leaders as a driving force behind bilateral progress. “These contacts consistently deliver tangible results,” he said.

He concluded by expressing optimism for the day’s agenda, stating that discussions on both bilateral and international matters would bring mutual benefit.

The meeting comes amid efforts by both nations to reaffirm strategic partnerships and pursue joint objectives in regional and global arenas.

Mozambique Foreign Minister Calls Lavrov, “Big Brother”

“In Africa, I call you my older brother. So, Mr. Foreign Minister, my older brother, I would like to thank you first of all for bringing me back to this wonderful city,” Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas said with a smile.

She also called Moscow very beautiful and modern, adding that she always advises everyone to visit it.

(C) Sputnik Africa

Russia – South Africa relations dynamic – Mashatile

Relations between Russia and South Africa are developing dynamically, both bilaterally and in multilateral formats such as BRICS and the Business 20 (B20).

This issue was actively discussed during the session “Russia – South Africa: Business and Investment Cooperation,” organized at the Roscongress International Business Networking Zone as part of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

The discussion gained particular significance following the speech by South African Vice President Paul Mashatile. 

In his view, Russian and South African importers, distributors, and retail chains should explore new sales channels aligned with consumer demand, such as premium fresh produce and beverages, including alcoholic products.

Russia almost completely switches to settlements in Rubles with Africa

The share of Russian currency in settlements for exports to African countries has reached 98.3%, an increase of almost 8 percentage points in the last month alone, and up significantly from 60.5% a year prior, Russian media calculated.

African countries buy rubles to purchase Russian goods, typically converting their national currency to dollars before acquiring rubles, economist Andrey Barkhota explained.

The shift is driven by Russia’s move towards “non-toxic” currencies amid sanctions. Ruble usage in overall foreign trade now exceeds 52%, a record, particularly with BRICS and EAEU nations, for example, 40% of transactions with Egypt are already conducted in national currencies.

Barkhota also suggested ruble payments might only cover the net amount in barter-like trades. Russia might supply engineering products in exchange for uranium and cocoa beans, settling the difference in rubles.

The ruble’s share in international settlements could reach 0.7-1% by 2030-2032, considering Africa’s growing trade role, financial analyst Natalia Milchakova projected.

While this percentage may seem small, it approaches the yuan’s share, which remains below 5% despite its status as a world reserve currency.

(C) Sputnik Africa