Moscow – South African Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile arrived at the Domodedovo International Airport on Tuesday, 17 June 2025.
The Deputy President is scheduled to participate in a Working Visit to the Russian Federation on 17-21 June 2025, aimed at strengthening bilateral economic and trade ties between South Africa and Russia.
The purpose of the Working Visit is to strengthen bilateral economic and trade ties between South Africa and Russia.
The focus will be on enhancing economic cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, automotive, energy, and mining industries, as well as science and technology cooperation.
The second part of the Working Visit will take place in St. Petersburg, where the deputy president will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and participate in the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2025 (SPIEF ’25), held under the theme: “Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World”.
The forum will take place from 19-21 June 2025.
“Deputy President Mashatile will participate in the plenary of SPIEF ’25 and has also been invited to participate as a speaker in the Russia-Africa Business Dialogue,” said the Presidency in a statement made available to The Bulrushes.
“On the sidelines of SPIEF ’25, Deputy President Mashatile is scheduled to deliver a Public Lecture at the St Petersburg State University under the theme: ‘South Africa’s G20 Presidency in a rapidly changing Geopolitical Environment’ and also speak during the opening of the South African Trade and Investment Seminar.”
The St. Petersburg leg of the visit is expected to leverage on promoting South Africa’s trade relations and South Africa as an investment destination.
The working visit will be Deputy President Mashatile’s first visit to Russia since he took office as Deputy President under the 7th Administration.
The working visit is preceded by the following high-level visits to the Russian Federation by South African leaders:
- President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Work Visit to Kazan, Russia for the BRICS Summit in October 2024;
- Deputy Minister of International Relations & Cooperation, Ms Thandi Moraka’s participation in the First Russia-Africa Ministerial Meeting in November 2024;
- Minister of International Relations & Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola’s visit to co-chair the 18th ITEC session in April 2025, and
- Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga represented South Africa during the “80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War Celebrations” held in Moscow in May 2025.
Deputy President Mashatile is accompanied by the International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Alvin Botes; Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande; Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina; Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau; Agriculture Deputy Minister Nokuzola Capa; Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala; Mineral and Petroleum Resources Deputy Minister Phumzile Mgcina; and Sport, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister Peace Mabe.
*Image and video courtesy GCIS
