Strengthening ties with African nations remains one of Moscow's key priorities, the Russian president has reiterated

Russian President Vladimir Putin has highlighted Moscow's deepening relationship with Pretoria during talks with South African Vice President Paul Mashatile, describing it as a "comprehensive strategic partnership" built on equality and mutual respect.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) on Thursday.

"Relations between Russia and South Africa are developing successfully. We are in regular contact with President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa. Last year, we held detailed discussions with him in Kazan during the BRICS Summit, outlining steps for further cooperation," Putin said.

Pretoria and Moscow have maintained diplomatic relations since 1992, with longstanding cooperation in several areas including trade and education.

During an earlier meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow on Wednesday, the South African Vice President expressed Pretoria's ambition to see trade with Moscow double. He also invited Russian companies to invest in South Africa, describing it as "the gateway to the continent of Africa," offering access to a market of over one billion people.

READ MORE: South Africa seeks to double trade with Russia

Mashatile told President Putin on Thursday that he had been tasked by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to transform the "strong foundation" of strategic relations into expanded trade and economic cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two BRICS nations.

"South Africa continues to call on the support of Russia's influence within the Eurasian Economic Union to reconsider South Africa from an undeveloped to a developing country. This had a significant impact on South African products and trade to the Eurasian market," he stated.

Putin pledged to expand and diversify mutual trade and investment with South Africa, noting that bilateral trade grew by approximately 2% in 2024.

"Overall, strengthening ties with African nations remains one of our key priorities," the President reiterated.

The Russian president underscored education as a priority sector in engagement with African nations, citing Moscow's longstanding commitment to academic exchange. He noted that more than 40 Russian universities have established partnerships with South African institutions, and that around 570 South African students are currently studying at Russian universities.