πΏπ¦ Despite political and accelerating socio-economic uncertainties, South Africa is still a destination of leadership and the driver of economic growth in the region and on the continent, while Africa is becoming even a more attractive zone of strategic interests for old and emerging power poles, writes Valdai Club expert Alexandra Arkhangelskaya.
π South Africa Today: Opportunities and Challenges for Foreign Policy
#SouthAfrica #Africa #internationalrelations
@valdai_club β The Valdai Discussion Club
π South Africa Today: Opportunities and Challenges for Foreign Policy
#SouthAfrica #Africa #internationalrelations
@valdai_club β The Valdai Discussion Club
Valdai Club
South Africa Today: Opportunities and Challenges for Foreign Policy
Despite political and accelerating socio-economic uncertainties, South Africa is still a destination of leadership and the driver of economic growth in the region and on the continent, while Africa is becoming even a more attractive zone of strategic interestsβ¦
π ANNOUNCEMENT: On January 25 at 3:00 p.m. Moscow time, the Valdai Club will host an expert discussion on the topic βRussia and South Africa: Is Africa closer than it seems?β
Bilateral relations between Russia and the Republic of South Africa have evolved into a partnership characterised by mutual respect in recent years. Cooperation between the two countries is being implemented on all tracks - both at the official diplomatic level, and through NGOs and in the economic sphere.
The potential for bilateral cooperation remains significant amid the new geopolitical conditions. Despite the fact that a number of companies in South Africa have refused to cooperate with Russia due to Western sanctions, Pretoria has repeatedly stated that it is pursuing an independent policy and does not intend to implement anti-Russian sanctions at the state level. South Africa has taken a balanced position on the Ukrainian crisis.
An important aspect of cooperation between Russia and South Africa is interaction in international organisations operating in the global space. An example of such cooperation is BRICS, where Russia and South Africa are developing common approaches to a value policy aimed at building a just world based on the principles of non-discrimination and equality between all participants, against neo-colonialism. Also, Russia and South Africa cooperate in other global international platforms, such as the UN and G20.
βHow can one characterise the current relations between Russia and South Africa?
βIn what areas is cooperation between the two countries most promising?
βHow will Russia's interaction with the African continent as a whole develop?
Participants of the expert discussion will answer these and other questions.
π Speakers:
πΏπ¦ Mikatekiso Kubayi, Researcher, Institute for Global Dialogue associated with UNISA; Research Fellow, Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation
π·πΊ Andrei Maslov, Director, Centre for African Studies, HSE University
πΏπ¦ Rasigan Maharajh, Chief Director of the Institute for Economic Research in Innovation at the Tswane Technical University (South Africa)
π·πΊ Oleg Ozerov, Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Head of the Secretariat of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum
π·πΊ Nathalia Zaiser, Chairman of the Board of the African Business Initiative Union
Moderator:
π© Oleg Barabanov, Programme Director of the Valdai Discussion Club
https://valdaiclub.com/events/announcements/valdai-club-to-discuss-russia-south-africa-relations/
Working languages: Russian, English.
βΉοΈ Information for the media: In order to get accredited for the event, please fill out the form on our website or call +79269307763.
A link to the live broadcast of the discussion will be posted on all online platforms of the Valdai Club: on the website, Twitter, VKontakte, Telegram and Zen.
#Norms_and_Values #SouthAfrica
@valdai_club
Bilateral relations between Russia and the Republic of South Africa have evolved into a partnership characterised by mutual respect in recent years. Cooperation between the two countries is being implemented on all tracks - both at the official diplomatic level, and through NGOs and in the economic sphere.
The potential for bilateral cooperation remains significant amid the new geopolitical conditions. Despite the fact that a number of companies in South Africa have refused to cooperate with Russia due to Western sanctions, Pretoria has repeatedly stated that it is pursuing an independent policy and does not intend to implement anti-Russian sanctions at the state level. South Africa has taken a balanced position on the Ukrainian crisis.
An important aspect of cooperation between Russia and South Africa is interaction in international organisations operating in the global space. An example of such cooperation is BRICS, where Russia and South Africa are developing common approaches to a value policy aimed at building a just world based on the principles of non-discrimination and equality between all participants, against neo-colonialism. Also, Russia and South Africa cooperate in other global international platforms, such as the UN and G20.
βHow can one characterise the current relations between Russia and South Africa?
βIn what areas is cooperation between the two countries most promising?
βHow will Russia's interaction with the African continent as a whole develop?
Participants of the expert discussion will answer these and other questions.
π Speakers:
πΏπ¦ Mikatekiso Kubayi, Researcher, Institute for Global Dialogue associated with UNISA; Research Fellow, Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation
π·πΊ Andrei Maslov, Director, Centre for African Studies, HSE University
πΏπ¦ Rasigan Maharajh, Chief Director of the Institute for Economic Research in Innovation at the Tswane Technical University (South Africa)
π·πΊ Oleg Ozerov, Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Head of the Secretariat of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum
π·πΊ Nathalia Zaiser, Chairman of the Board of the African Business Initiative Union
Moderator:
π© Oleg Barabanov, Programme Director of the Valdai Discussion Club
https://valdaiclub.com/events/announcements/valdai-club-to-discuss-russia-south-africa-relations/
Working languages: Russian, English.
βΉοΈ Information for the media: In order to get accredited for the event, please fill out the form on our website or call +79269307763.
A link to the live broadcast of the discussion will be posted on all online platforms of the Valdai Club: on the website, Twitter, VKontakte, Telegram and Zen.
#Norms_and_Values #SouthAfrica
@valdai_club
Valdai Club
Valdai Club to Discuss Russia-South Africa Relations
On January 25 at 3:00 p.m. Moscow time, the Valdai Club will host an expert discussion with the heads of research centres from South Africa on the topic βRussia and South Africa: Is Africa closer than it seems?β
β° TODAY at 3:00 p.m. Moscow time, the Valdai Club will host an expert discussion on the topic βRussia and South Africa: Is Africa closer than it seems?β
βHow can one characterise the current relations between Russia and South Africa?
βIn what areas is cooperation between the two countries most promising?
βHow will Russia's interaction with the African continent as a whole develop?
Participants of the expert discussion will answer these and other questions.
A link to the live broadcast of the discussion will be posted on all online platforms of the Valdai Club: on the website, Twitter, VKontakte, Telegram and Zen.
#Norms_and_Values #SouthAfrica
@valdai_club
βHow can one characterise the current relations between Russia and South Africa?
βIn what areas is cooperation between the two countries most promising?
βHow will Russia's interaction with the African continent as a whole develop?
Participants of the expert discussion will answer these and other questions.
A link to the live broadcast of the discussion will be posted on all online platforms of the Valdai Club: on the website, Twitter, VKontakte, Telegram and Zen.
#Norms_and_Values #SouthAfrica
@valdai_club
UPD: The livestream is over. The video of the discussion is available via the same link. Stay tuned!
π₯ LIVE: at 3:00 p.m. Moscow time, the Valdai Club will host an expert discussion on the topic βRussia and South Africa: Is Africa closer than it seems?β
https://vk.com/video-214192832_456239070
#Norms_and_Values #SouthAfrica
@valdai_club
π₯ LIVE: at 3:00 p.m. Moscow time, the Valdai Club will host an expert discussion on the topic βRussia and South Africa: Is Africa closer than it seems?β
https://vk.com/video-214192832_456239070
#Norms_and_Values #SouthAfrica
@valdai_club
Vk
LIVE: Russia and South Africa: Is Africa closer than it seems? An Expert Discussion
On January 25 at 3:00 p.m. Moscow time, the Valdai Club will host an expert discussion with the heads of research centres from South Africa on the topic βRussia and South Africa: Is Africa closer than it seems?β More: https://valdaiclub.com/multimedia/video/isβ¦
π·πΊπΏπ¦ Russia and South Africa: From Political Understanding to Practical Cooperation
On January 25, the Valdai Club hosted an expert discussion, titled βRussia and South Africa: Is Africa closer than it seems?β The moderator was Oleg Barabanov, Programme Director of the Valdai Club.
π¬ Oleg Ozerov, Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Head of the Secretariat of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, pointed out that in the context of reformatting international relations, the very course of events has led to Russia and South Africa finding themselves on the same side. In addition to the historical experience of their joint struggle against racism, the two countries are united by membership in the BRICS and the G20 and joint participation in building a multipolar world. The Ambassador also noted the growth of trade between Russia and the Republic of South Africa and expressed hope for the further development of cooperation and humanitarian ties, not only at the bilateral, but also at the interregional level.
π¬ Rasigan Maharajh, Director General of the Institute for Economic Research in Innovation at Tswane Technical University, listed a number of global stresses that humanity is facing, both in connection with environmental problems and in connection with economic problems. This makes cooperation between such important players as Russia and South Africa an extremely pressing issue. He provided a brief outline of this cooperation in the past, and acknowledged that its current level in the field of science and technology is insufficient. He called for its more active development, and the strengthening of the atmosphere of trust between the scientific communities of the two countries.
π¬ Natalia Zaiser, Chairman of the Board of the African Business Initiative Union, analysing the role of South Africa in the BRICS and noting with regret that the hopes placed on the republic's joining the group have not yet been fully justified, Zeiser noted that it makes sense for Russia to develop cooperation with South Africa, including this platform, and not only in the economic sphere. Speaking about the development of public diplomacy, she emphasised the prospects for cooperation at the NGO level as a key element of humanitarian cooperation and pointed out the importance of the multilateral nature of cooperation between the two countries.
π¬ Mikatekiso Kubayi, a researcher at the Institute for Global Dialogue associated with UNISA and a research fellow at the Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation, noted that South Africa continues to grow in population and needs to develop both the digital economy and other industries. Russia could offer it its potential in technology, healthcare, space, agriculture, the processing industry, and the defence industry. As a member of the BRICS and the G20, South Africa is ready to contribute to the promotion of multilateralism in the interests of all countries of the world and is open to proposals in the field of cooperation and dialogue.
π¬ Andrey Maslov, Director of the Centre for African Studies at the National Research University Higher School of Economics, stressed that the stage has come when it is necessary to move from mutual political understanding to practical steps to create joint institutions and permanent mechanisms, both at the bilateral level and at the BRICS level. In his opinion, the global majority needs its own mechanisms that will allow the development of trade relations without regard to the external decision-making centres that control the potential of world trade with the help of logistical, financial and other restrictions. He spoke about the key areas of cooperation between Russia and South Africa, noting the construction of logistics corridors with access to the Indian Ocean basin, the development of financial infrastructure for trade.
https://valdaiclub.com/events/posts/articles/russia-and-south-africa-from-political-understanding-to-practical-cooperation/
#Norms_and_Values #SouthAfrica #Africa
@valdai_club
On January 25, the Valdai Club hosted an expert discussion, titled βRussia and South Africa: Is Africa closer than it seems?β The moderator was Oleg Barabanov, Programme Director of the Valdai Club.
π¬ Oleg Ozerov, Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Head of the Secretariat of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, pointed out that in the context of reformatting international relations, the very course of events has led to Russia and South Africa finding themselves on the same side. In addition to the historical experience of their joint struggle against racism, the two countries are united by membership in the BRICS and the G20 and joint participation in building a multipolar world. The Ambassador also noted the growth of trade between Russia and the Republic of South Africa and expressed hope for the further development of cooperation and humanitarian ties, not only at the bilateral, but also at the interregional level.
π¬ Rasigan Maharajh, Director General of the Institute for Economic Research in Innovation at Tswane Technical University, listed a number of global stresses that humanity is facing, both in connection with environmental problems and in connection with economic problems. This makes cooperation between such important players as Russia and South Africa an extremely pressing issue. He provided a brief outline of this cooperation in the past, and acknowledged that its current level in the field of science and technology is insufficient. He called for its more active development, and the strengthening of the atmosphere of trust between the scientific communities of the two countries.
π¬ Natalia Zaiser, Chairman of the Board of the African Business Initiative Union, analysing the role of South Africa in the BRICS and noting with regret that the hopes placed on the republic's joining the group have not yet been fully justified, Zeiser noted that it makes sense for Russia to develop cooperation with South Africa, including this platform, and not only in the economic sphere. Speaking about the development of public diplomacy, she emphasised the prospects for cooperation at the NGO level as a key element of humanitarian cooperation and pointed out the importance of the multilateral nature of cooperation between the two countries.
π¬ Mikatekiso Kubayi, a researcher at the Institute for Global Dialogue associated with UNISA and a research fellow at the Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation, noted that South Africa continues to grow in population and needs to develop both the digital economy and other industries. Russia could offer it its potential in technology, healthcare, space, agriculture, the processing industry, and the defence industry. As a member of the BRICS and the G20, South Africa is ready to contribute to the promotion of multilateralism in the interests of all countries of the world and is open to proposals in the field of cooperation and dialogue.
π¬ Andrey Maslov, Director of the Centre for African Studies at the National Research University Higher School of Economics, stressed that the stage has come when it is necessary to move from mutual political understanding to practical steps to create joint institutions and permanent mechanisms, both at the bilateral level and at the BRICS level. In his opinion, the global majority needs its own mechanisms that will allow the development of trade relations without regard to the external decision-making centres that control the potential of world trade with the help of logistical, financial and other restrictions. He spoke about the key areas of cooperation between Russia and South Africa, noting the construction of logistics corridors with access to the Indian Ocean basin, the development of financial infrastructure for trade.
https://valdaiclub.com/events/posts/articles/russia-and-south-africa-from-political-understanding-to-practical-cooperation/
#Norms_and_Values #SouthAfrica #Africa
@valdai_club
Valdai Club
Russia and South Africa: From Political Understanding to Practical Cooperation
On January 25, the Valdai Club hosted an expert discussion, titled βRussia and South Africa: Is Africa closer than it seems?β The moderator was Oleg Barabanov, Programme Director of the Valdai Club.
πΏπ¦ The modern politicians of South Africa react extremely sharply to any manifestations of neo-colonialism and imperialism in general.
For them, this is by no means just words, not a political formula and not a rhetorical phrase. No, itβs still a painful, unhealed wound. That is why the theme of the fight against neo-colonialism for South Africa (as well as for all of Africa as a whole) is still key and politically relevant.
It is for this reason that the issues of combating global inequality (and in particular with neo-colonial practices as the most painful manifestations of this inequality) form the basis of the current South African BRICS Chairmanship in 2023.
At the same time, it should be noted, that it is this topic that most closely intersects with the relevant initiatives of the largest countries of the non-Western world (China, Russia, India and a number of other states β including countries that most actively express their desire to join the BRICS membership).
Vadim Balytnikov writes about the fight against neo-colonialism in the political discourse of South Africa.
https://valdaiclub.com/a/highlights/the-fight-against-neo-colonialism/
#Norms_and_Values #SouthAfrica #neocolonialism
π£ π£ π£
For them, this is by no means just words, not a political formula and not a rhetorical phrase. No, itβs still a painful, unhealed wound. That is why the theme of the fight against neo-colonialism for South Africa (as well as for all of Africa as a whole) is still key and politically relevant.
It is for this reason that the issues of combating global inequality (and in particular with neo-colonial practices as the most painful manifestations of this inequality) form the basis of the current South African BRICS Chairmanship in 2023.
At the same time, it should be noted, that it is this topic that most closely intersects with the relevant initiatives of the largest countries of the non-Western world (China, Russia, India and a number of other states β including countries that most actively express their desire to join the BRICS membership).
Vadim Balytnikov writes about the fight against neo-colonialism in the political discourse of South Africa.
https://valdaiclub.com/a/highlights/the-fight-against-neo-colonialism/
#Norms_and_Values #SouthAfrica #neocolonialism
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π·πΊππΏπ¦ Cooperation between Russia and South Africa, the rest of Africa and with as much of the world as possible could help fortify humanity against the ever-present danger presented by black swans in the international system.
During the recent visit to South Africa of Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov, it was agreed that the two countries need to further deepen relations and cooperation in most spheres, including political, economic, security and social ones, as well as in multilateral and international forums.
Today, South Africa and the rest of Africa are pursuing development for their growing population, in order to achieve higher development index scores. To achieve this, the AU has identified 15 flagship projects including digital technologies, logistics infrastructure, and health infrastructure, among others. The energy and agricultural sectors need significant investment. The gas belt running from West Africa to the south of the continent also needs significant investment for the development of gas economies.
The Africa Continental Free Trade Area is a flagship project aimed at boosting intra-Africa trade and stimulating faster and more significant economic growth and economic development. This project involves not only the facilitation of free movement of good but also of people. It needs significant investment for logistics, security, and safety.
A united world trumps a divided one; history has taught the world many lessons on this.
The 2023 Russia-Africa summit will be an important feature of not only the year but of future relations and development. Development remains a common pursuit of all peoples, writes Valdai Club expert Mikatekiso Kubayi.
https://valdaiclub.com/a/highlights/on-russia-south-africa-africa/
#Norms_and_Values #Africa #SouthAfrica
@valdai_club
During the recent visit to South Africa of Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov, it was agreed that the two countries need to further deepen relations and cooperation in most spheres, including political, economic, security and social ones, as well as in multilateral and international forums.
Today, South Africa and the rest of Africa are pursuing development for their growing population, in order to achieve higher development index scores. To achieve this, the AU has identified 15 flagship projects including digital technologies, logistics infrastructure, and health infrastructure, among others. The energy and agricultural sectors need significant investment. The gas belt running from West Africa to the south of the continent also needs significant investment for the development of gas economies.
The Africa Continental Free Trade Area is a flagship project aimed at boosting intra-Africa trade and stimulating faster and more significant economic growth and economic development. This project involves not only the facilitation of free movement of good but also of people. It needs significant investment for logistics, security, and safety.
A united world trumps a divided one; history has taught the world many lessons on this.
The 2023 Russia-Africa summit will be an important feature of not only the year but of future relations and development. Development remains a common pursuit of all peoples, writes Valdai Club expert Mikatekiso Kubayi.
https://valdaiclub.com/a/highlights/on-russia-south-africa-africa/
#Norms_and_Values #Africa #SouthAfrica
@valdai_club
Valdai Club
On Russia-South Africa/Africa
South Africa-Russia relations are not new. They date back decades before South Africa arrived at a democratic dispensation in 1994; a journey in which Russia provided a lot of support. During the recent visit to South Africa of Russian Foreign Affairs Ministerβ¦
πΏπ¦ To understand the main lessons of the sanctions against South Africa, it is necessary first to bring together, into a single picture, all the contradictions of the apartheid period, which lasted from 1948 to 1994.
πΉ On the one hand, the white authorities kept it afloat for decades, finding loopholes and solutions that allowed their system not only to survive, but also, despite the sanctions pressure, to create the most combat-ready army in the region, develop nuclear weapons and build the only nuclear power plant on the continent, as well as launch gas production from coal, based on the countryβs own advanced technology.
πΉ On the other hand, the country was engulfed in clashes, sabotage and fear, as well as condemnation from the international community, but it continued to grow, reaching its peak in the mid-80s, when the world community introduced a collective and united sanctions package, which led to increased political and economic isolation of South Africa.
As a result, the cost of keeping the apartheid regime alive became too high for them to maintain the intended political course, writes Lora Chkoniya.
https://valdaiclub.com/a/highlights/46-years-of-solitude/
#EconomicStatecraft #SouthAfrica #sanctions
π£ π£ π£
πΉ On the one hand, the white authorities kept it afloat for decades, finding loopholes and solutions that allowed their system not only to survive, but also, despite the sanctions pressure, to create the most combat-ready army in the region, develop nuclear weapons and build the only nuclear power plant on the continent, as well as launch gas production from coal, based on the countryβs own advanced technology.
πΉ On the other hand, the country was engulfed in clashes, sabotage and fear, as well as condemnation from the international community, but it continued to grow, reaching its peak in the mid-80s, when the world community introduced a collective and united sanctions package, which led to increased political and economic isolation of South Africa.
As a result, the cost of keeping the apartheid regime alive became too high for them to maintain the intended political course, writes Lora Chkoniya.
https://valdaiclub.com/a/highlights/46-years-of-solitude/
#EconomicStatecraft #SouthAfrica #sanctions
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Valdai Club
46 Years of Solitude: The Main Lessons of the Apartheid Sanctions Against South Africa
ο»ΏTo bypass the sanctions introduced against South Africa, the apartheid government acted proactively, laid the necessary legislative foundation so that the work to circumvent the sanctions could be carried out under the cloak of secrecy, and showed a willingnessβ¦
https://vk.com/video-214192832_456239240
#GlobalAlternatives #G20 #Brazil #SouthAfrica
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VK ΠΠΈΠ΄Π΅ΠΎ
LIVE: Brazil and South Africa Presidency in G20. An Expert Discussion
On December 12 at 4:00 pm Moscow time, the Valdai Club will host an expert discussion dedicated to the end of Brazil's presidency and the beginning of South Africa's presidency of the G20. More: https://valdaiclub.com/multimedia/video/live-brazil-and-southβ¦
#GlobalAlternatives #G20 #Brazil #SouthAfrica
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