Media Release
27 February 2017
South Africa and Russia celebrate 25 years of formal diplomatic relations
The Republic of South Africa and the Russian Federation will mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations tomorrow, 28 February 2017. Bilateral relations between the two countries were established on 28 February 1992.
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Mr Sergey Lavrov, have both exchanged congratulatory letters on this landmark event in the bilateral relations of the two countries.
South Africa and Russia share common values in terms of their respect for the rule of law in international relations, multilateralism, the central role of the UN in global governance, the primary role of the UN Security Council in the maintenance of global peace and security as well as respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.
It is significant that the 25th Anniversary coincides with the conclusion of a 90-day mutual Visa Waiver Agreement for ordinary passport holders. The coming into operation of this agreement will give impetus to increased people-to-people contact as well as better prospects for growth in two-way tourism.
To date, the two countries have signed over 40 bilateral agreements in various areas of cooperation, including in Science and Technology, Defence, Mineral Resources, Energy, Agriculture and Justice.
South Africa will continue to maintain contact with the Russian Federation in the pursuit of strengthening relations between both countries as well as their citizens.
Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, 082 884 5974
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
0084
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