Cape Town – Minister of Internal Relations Naledi Pandor has reiterated that South Africa and Russia remain on friendly terms, as the country navigates an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant of arrest for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The minister is set to meet with Parliament’s international relations and co-operation portfolio committee in the next two weeks to discuss Putin’s planned visit to the country later this year for this year’s Brics summit in August.
The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Putin on 18 March, accusing him of committing war crimes regarding the unlawful deportation of children from Ukraine to Russia.
According to EWN on Thursday, the minister met with Russian Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Alexander Kozlov for the 17th session of the two countries’ joint inter-governmental committee on trade and economic cooperation.
Pandor emphasised the historic link between SA and the Russian federation remains strong, the report said.
The report said during her opening address, Pandor responded to criticism against SA’s relations with Russia amid global pressure to cut ties.
“We have made it clear that Russia is a friend…And while we are friends with many all over the world, we cannot become sudden enemies at the demand of others,” International Relations and Co-operation minister Naledi Pandor says.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/Y52Ry12Rmg
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 30, 2023
“There are some who don’t wish us good relations with an old, historical friend. We have made it clear that Russia is a friend and we have had cooperative partnerships for many years, including partnerships as we combated the apartheid regime.” the report quoted Pandor as saying.
SA government’s neutral stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has drawn criticism from some of its largest trading partners, including the US and the European Union, reports BusinessTech.
The report said the country’s ties to Russia and government’s decision to remain neutral on the Ukraine invasion is becoming a major risk for businesses in the country.
The Institute of Risk Management in South Africa flagged the geopolitical conundrum as one of four major risks that companies need to make a plan for, the report said.
“There will be a global viewpoint taken (on Russia and China) and South Africa will be expected to take a position,” Palm said, adding that all South African businesses will face repercussions.
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
