South African president intends to attend Russia-Africa summit

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed his willingness to come to St. Petersburg to participate in the Russia-Africa summit to be held at the end of July this year. South African Ambassador to Russia Mzuvukile Maqetuka said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

He said the Head of State had accepted the invitation the day before. Moreover, the diplomat said South Africa hopes to cooperate with Russia in the field of finance and especially in online banking. According to the ambassador, South Africa is a leader in this field.

South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor has also announced that Ramaphosa intends to attend the summit. It will be held from 26 to 29 July 2023 in St. Petersburg. It will be the second such level event devoted to cooperation between Russia and African countries.

Last week, the South African leader also stressed that South Africa would promote Africa's common interests during its 2023 BRICS presidency.

At the end of last year, Russia and South Africa intensified direct reefer ships. Their peculiarity is that they are made without transhipment at other ports, which allows for significantly shorter delivery times.

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