Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma says his first official visit to Russia had a potential for taking economic relations between South Africa and that country forward.
"It is encouraging that despite the global economic crisis, overall trade between the two countries increased from more than US$400 million in 2008 to more than US$500 million last year," he said during his meeting with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, on Thursday.
Zuma, accompanied by at least 11 Cabinet ministers and more than 100 business people, is in Russia as part of trade plans aimed at members of the BRIC, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
Through the visit, South Africa wanted to see enhanced economic and social cooperation with Russia which is seen as a major player in the European markets.
"These interactions are critical for South Africa's key domestic priorities, as well as Russia's economic modernisation and diversification policy priorities.We are firm in our commitment to further boost trade relations between our two countries," Zuma said.
He was satisfied with the progress made thus far, especially given the recent successful consultations between the two countries' ministers.
He highlighted education as a key priority for the South African government adding that success in education will determine the scope and extent of the country's growth and development.
"We want to explore some of the existing proposals and develop sound cooperation in higher education and training between our two countries," Zuma said.
There will also be discussions on efforts to take agricultural cooperation forward through the signing of the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Plant Quarantine.
The movement of people between the two countries will be further promoted through the Agreement regarding the Waiver of Visa Requirements for Holders of Diplomatic or Official Passports. Zuma's three-day visit to the capital Moscow ends on Friday.
