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The President of the Republic of South Africa, H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, has, on behalf of the government and the people of South Africa, congratulated his Russian counterpart, H.E. Mr Vladimir Putin,  following the outcome of the elections held on Sunday, 19 March 2018, that saw President Putin re-elected for a further five-year term.

President Ramaphosa said the overwhelming victory as announced on Monday, 19 March 2018, demonstrated that the people of the Russian Federation have faith in the leadership of President Putin.

President Ramaphosa said he looked forward to further strengthening the already existing political, economic and trade ties between South Africa and the Russian Federation.

South Africa and the Russian Federation enjoy close ties dating back to the days of the struggle against apartheid. Direct contacts between the former USSR and the ANC were established on a regular basis during 1963.
 
With the dissolution of the USSR, South Africa became the first African state to recognise the independence of the Russian Federation. Full diplomatic relations between South Africa and the Russian Federation were established in February 1992.
 
South Africa and the Russian Federation share common views and perspectives on several regional and multilateral issues, including matters relating to Africa, BRICS, the UN and the G20. President Ramaphosa said he looks forward to further engagement on these and other matters of mutual interest and concern.
 
President Putin is expected to visit South Africa in July 2018 on the occasion of the 10th BRICS Summit.

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation