Russia, South Africa and China Ties Grow Stronger

Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, has arrived in Pretoria, Gauteng, for the first time since the start of the Russia-Ukrainian war 11 months ago.

Lavrov landed today, Monday, 23 January, to hold talks with his South African counterpart, Naledi Pandor, to discuss preparations for the next Russian-African summit which will take place in St. Petersburg, Russia in July.

While West-aligned nations have cut ties with Russia over the conflict in Ukraine, South Africa has refused to condemn the country’s actions. According to reports, protests against the talks have been organised to be held outside the Russian Embassy.

The two countries are also expected to join China in conducting Naval drills in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of South Africa next month, from 17 to 27 February. The dates coincide with the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on 24 February.

The South African National Defense Force has said that the exercise will “strengthen the already flourishing relations between South Africa, Russia and China”, before adding that their respective navies will be “sharing operational skills and knowledge.”

Due to rising international tensions, Russia, the United States of America, and China are reportedly in a race to develop hypersonic weapons.

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