By More Matshediso
Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma will on Sunday undertake a five-day working visit to the Russian Federation where he is expected to meet with President Vladimir Putin.
President Zuma’s visit to the country follows the successful working visit of President Putin to Durban in March last year, and President Zuma’s visit to Sochi in May 2013.
During the bilateral talks, the two Presidents are expected to consolidate and open new avenues towards job creation, skills development, the exchange and transfer of technology and trade and investment.
The two Presidents will also assess the status and implementation of Intergovernmental Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Agreements, key trade and investment issues, and preparations for the 12th ITEC Session to be hosted by South Africa during the course of the year.
President Zuma and President Putin will also focus on developments on critical international issues of mutual concern, including, but not limited to the situation in Syria, and the Israel-Palestine matter, as well as developments in Ukraine, which is Russia’s neighbour.
“Ahead of the bilateral meeting, President Zuma will on 25-27 August hold low key meetings and use the period to rest,” said the Presidency.
Minister of State Security David Mahlobo and Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Nomaindia Mfeketo will accompany the President and are expected to hold bilateral talks with their Russian counterparts.
President Zuma’s visit to Russia will end on Friday. - SAnews.gov.za
