By Lesedi Sibiya – Diplomatic Insider
The South African Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, arrived in Moscow, Russia, on the 17th of June, to strengthen relations between South Africa and Russia in the areas of economy and trade. Mashatile was accompanied by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes.
The purpose of the Deputy President’s working visit was to enhance economic cooperation in sectors such as energy, agriculture, mining, the automotive industry, as well as science and technology.
Meetings took place in both Moscow and St Petersburg, aimed at consolidating high-level engagements and advancing matters related to economic diplomacy. In Moscow, Mashatile met with the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, H.E. Mr Mikhail Mishustin, and laid a wreath at a memorial site in honour of South African liberation struggle heroes John Beaver Marks and Moses Kotane.
The second phase of the visit, in St Petersburg, saw Mashatile meet with the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, and attend the 28th St Petersburg International Economic Forum 2025 (SPIEF’25), held under the theme “Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World” from 19–21 June.
Mashatile was also a guest speaker at the Russia-Africa Business Dialogue and participated in the SPIEF plenary. In addition to his participation in SPIEF, he delivered a lecture at St Petersburg State University on the theme “South Africa’s G20 Presidency in a Rapidly Changing Geo-Political Environment” and spoke at the opening of the South African Trade and Investment Seminar.
The St Petersburg segment of the visit played a crucial role in promoting South Africa’s trade relations and positioning the country as a key investment destination. The working visit also marked Deputy President Mashatile’s first official visit to Russia since assuming office under South Africa’s 7th democratic administration.
The Deputy President was accompanied by ministers including Minister of Technology and Innovation, Mr Blade Nzimande; Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Mr Parks Tau; Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Ms Nokuzola Capu; and Deputy Minister of Petroleum Resources, Ms Phumzile Mgcina.