Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his visit to Russia, saying it will help stimulate not only economic opportunities but also enhance people-to-people ties.
Zuma, who concluded his visit in the Russian capital Moscow on Thursday, said he was pleased with the cordial and fruitful manner in which the talks had been conducted.
"After our successful talks, we are convinced that this visit will afford us an opportunity to further consolidate and enhance relations at both the bilateral and multilateral levels," Zuma told a media briefing.
Several agreements on energy, visa requirements and space were signed during the visit which could expedite cooperation on these issues.
The President, however, admitted there was still room for further enhanced cooperation in all sectors. He wanted to identify new opportunities that could further enhance the shared development and modernisation agenda of the two countries.
At a multilateral level, the two countries shared a commitment to promoting a more equitable distribution of power and influence in the global political and economic systems. They also upheld the primacy of international law and the centrality of the United Nations.
"We are therefore natural partners who can contribute towards the progressive development of an equitable global governance system, in partnership with other like-minded countries," Zuma said.
Eleven government ministers and a high-level business delegation accompanied the President to Russia. Zuma said the size of the delegation emphasised South Africa's commitment to consolidate and further deepen bilateral relations with Russia.
The business delegation represented sectors such as agro-processing, aviation, banking and finance, defence and aerospace, energy, engineering, information and communications technology, infrastructure, logistics, medical and health services and tourism.
Zuma's three-day visit is part of his plan to push new trade and investment routes to the fast-growing emerging economies who are also members of the BRIC - Brazil, Russia, India and China. South Africa is clamouring to become the fifth member of the grouping.
Later this month he will visit China which will mean that he has engaged all members of the BRIC group.
