Share

Zuma and Putin discuss strengthening relations

Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma has met Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss ways in which their countries could strengthen relations, the presidency said on Thursday.

"The two presidents deliberated around a host of issues that affect the two countries, and discussed how they could further strengthen and consolidate the good bilateral relations that exist between the two countries", the presidency said in a statement.

"The two leaders also discussed ways to strengthen the existing bilateral agreements and mutual co-operation."

Putin is said to have welcomed Zuma's visit and encouraged both countries to work together in implementing the decisions that were taken last year during the state visit of South Africa to Russia.

"He emphasised the need for Russian and South African ministers to work together in taking forward the bilateral agreements.”

"President Putin further commended the work that has been done by the joint Russia-SA business council, which saw a rise in trade between SA and Russia which grew by 13% in 2013, which represents a significant growth in trade between the two countries."

Putin briefed Zuma on the situation in the Ukraine and underlined his commitment to finding a peaceful solution to the crisis.

"The two presidents also discussed issues around the developments in the Middle East, in particular around the resolution of the Israeli-Palestine conflict through peaceful means."

Zuma raised the matter of the repatriation of South African activists who were buried in Russia, including Ivor David Jones, J B Marks and Moses Kotane.

"He thanked the government of Russia for taking care of the heroes who are buried in Moscow and he indicated that there are discussions and arrangements that are ongoing between Russia and SA about how the repatriation process should be handled", the presidency said.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Do you think corruption-accused National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula will survive a motion of no confidence against her?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
No, her days are numbered
42% - 395 votes
Yes, the ANC caucus will protect her
58% - 556 votes
Vote
Rand - Dollar
18.94
-0.2%
Rand - Pound
23.91
-0.1%
Rand - Euro
20.43
+0.2%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.34
+0.1%
Rand - Yen
0.13
-0.2%
Platinum
910.50
+1.5%
Palladium
1,011.50
+1.0%
Gold
2,221.35
+1.2%
Silver
24.87
+0.9%
Brent Crude
86.09
-0.2%
Top 40
68,346
+1.0%
All Share
74,536
+0.8%
Resource 10
57,251
+2.8%
Industrial 25
103,936
+0.6%
Financial 15
16,502
-0.1%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE