Pretoria – President Jacob Zuma says his recent working visit to Russia was aimed at strengthening the countries’ bilateral relations.
A Democratic Alliance Member of Parliament on Thursday asked President Zuma about his recent trip to Russia, the associated cost thereof and the content discussed during the visit.
President Zuma said the figures in relation to the cost of the visit were not available yet.
In August, President Zuma and President Vladimir Putin discussed various issues which ranged from political, economic, social, defence and security cooperation and all the relevant legal instruments and mechanisms that affirm the strategic relationship between the two countries.
“In meetings we expressed satisfaction with progress made towards strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.
“We agreed to cooperate in the advancement of the African Agenda and finding lasting solutions towards ensuring global peace, security and stability,” President Zuma said.
The two leaders also discussed the security situation on the African continent at length.
“We discussed cooperation in peace missions that South Africa is involved in, including request for support for the African Capacity to Respond to Immediate Crisis.
“We also discussed the situation in the Ukraine and the need to find solutions. We also reflected on developments in the Middle East, in particular the need for the resolution of the Israeli-Palestine conflict,” he said.
During the discussions, the two also agreed to cooperate in addressing multilateral issues of mutual interest and concern.
“We expressed satisfaction with the growing trade relations in various areas and also welcomed the discussions that had been taking place between the two governments on energy cooperation, among other areas,” President Zuma said. – SAnews.gov.za
