Russian Consulate in Cape Town

🗓Excerpts from Russian President Vladimir Putin's remarks and Q&A at a meeting with heads of the world’s leading news agencies on the sidelines of SPIEF-2025 (June 19, 2025) Key statements: • We advocate for a just world order and for respecting the rules of the World Trade Organisation, rather than changing them month to month based on shifting political agendas. We firmly oppose all forms of trade wars, restrictions, and so on. • Our cooperation with Southeast Asia is making progress year in and year out. Trade is up. Regarding the region as a whole, we consider it extremely promising, because the share of Southeast Asian countries in the global economy and their growth rates exceed the global average. We believe these countries are very promising partners. • Russia’s (supposed) turn towards Asia is a natural sphere of cooperation. The reason is the growth of our economies. We noticed this trend back in the early 2000s, if not at the end of the 1990s, and started developing relations with China. • Russia is becoming a major economic partner for the People’s Republic of China. Our mutual projects alone, including investment projects, have been estimated at $200 billion. All of them are realistic and will be implemented. I have no doubt about that. • We can see that Iranian society is consolidating around the national political leadership despite the complex internal political processes in Iran, which we are aware of, so there is no need to talk about this in detail. This happens almost always and almost everywhere, and Iran is no exception.

⚡️Russian Foreign Ministry Statement in connection with the escalation of the Iranian-Israeli conflict The current escalation of the Iranian-Israeli conflict poses risks of further destabilisation across the region, particularly in the states neighbouring Israel and Iran. The firm and unwavering response of the global majority to Israeli strikes on Iranian territory, including its nuclear energy infrastructure, alongside the outcomes of the UN Security Council’s emergency session on June 13 and the special session of the IAEA Board of Governors on June 16, underscores that the confrontational approach and destructive actions of the Israeli leadership receive understanding and support solely from those states which are de facto accomplices, motivated by opportunistic interests. It was precisely these “sympathisers” who exerted pressure on the leadership of the Agency to prepare a controversial “comprehensive assessment” of Iran’s nuclear programme, the flaws of which were subsequently exploited to push through a biased anti-Iran resolution at the IAEA Board of Governors on June 12. This resolution effectively provided a green light to actions by West Jerusalem, leading to tragedy. Clearly, the attempts of the Western camp to manipulate the global nuclear non-proliferation regime in order to settle political scores with disfavoured nations come at a high cost to the international community and are entirely unacceptable. Israel’s continued, intensive attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran are unlawful under international law, pose unacceptable threats to international security, and drive the world closer to a nuclear catastrophe – the consequences of which will be felt globally, including in Israel itself. Russia calls on the Israeli leadership to reconsider its actions and immediately cease its raids on nuclear installations and sites under IAEA safeguards and subject to IAEA verification. The Russian side expects the leadership of the Agency to promptly prepare a detailed written report for consideration by the IAEA Board of Governors and the UN Security Council. This report must provide objective and unvarnished assessments of the damage caused by Israeli military actions to the safety of Iran’s nuclear energy complex, as well as to the application of IAEA safeguards in Iran – including the intimidation of inspectors on the ground, whose lives have been placed in grave danger. ❗️ Russia acknowledges Iran’s clear statements reaffirming its unwavering commitment to obligations under the NPT and its readiness to resume contacts with the United States to explore potential solutions that would dispel any unfounded suspicions and prejudices regarding Tehran’s nuclear programme – provided Israeli attacks cease. Moscow supports this stance and firmly maintains that a sustainable resolution can only be reliably achieved through diplomacy and negotiations. The objectives of nuclear non-proliferation, the cornerstone of which remains the NPT, must not be pursued through aggression or at the cost of innocent lives.

#Think4Yourself 🎥 'Shaping architecture of equal and indivisible security: challenges and opportunities for states of Global South and East' — a documentary by Russia's Security Council. Synopsis: The global political and economic landscape is undergoing profound transformation. We are witnessing a pivotal moment in history: the unipolar world order has reached an impasse, while multipolarity has become a reality. This shift has opened a window of opportunity to establish a fairer and more democratic world order. Among the most consequential developments in recent international affairs is the emergence of a group of countries known as the World Majority. This grouping represents not only a new force in global politics and economics but also a catalyst for reshaping the structure of international relations. The growing influence of the Global South and East is a natural and inevitable process. Their rise reflects not only changes in economic strength but also a broader rebalancing of global power. 🌐 Spanning Asia, Africa, and Latin America, the Global South is poised to play a pivotal role in defining the future of the global economy. The countries of the World Majority refuses to submit their foreign policies to external interests and are firmly committed to preserving their cultural identity, traditional values, and national foundations. ☝️ The development of an architecture of equal and indivisible security offers a crucial opportunity to forge more resilient trade and scientific-technological partnerships, capable of withstanding the geopolitical, economic, environmental, and other pressing challenges of our time.

⚡️Информация для граждан Российской Федерации, находящихся в Иране и Израиле В связи с обострением конфликта на Ближнем Востоке МИД России рекомендует российским гражданам, находящимся на территории Ирана и Израиля,проявлять максимальную осторожность, соблюдать меры личной безопасности: • не приближаться к военным и иным государственным объектам (не производить фото и видеосъемку) • избегать мест массового скопления людей • неукоснительно выполнять указания местных властей, при необходимости направляться в укрытия/убежища. В связи с закрытием воздушного пространства Ирана российские граждане могут покинуть эту страну наземным путем через погранпереход «Астара» в Азербайджан. Из Израиля можно выехать в сопредельные Египет (КПП «Менахем Бегин»/Таба) или Иорданию (КПП «Шейх Хусейн»). ❗️ МИД России обращает внимание, что в связи с действующим в Азербайджане карантинным режимом граница с Ираном перекрыта. Для согласования разовых разрешений азербайджанских властей (минимум 1-2 рабочих дней) на проход через КПП «Астара» необходимо заблаговременно направлять в Посольство России в Тегеране обращение на эл.почту [email protected] – с указанием ФИО на русском и английском языках, даты рождения, номера общегражданского загранпаспорта, срока действия, отметки о въезде в Иран, контактных телефонов. Для переезда из Астары в Баку ходят рейсовые автобусы с автовокзала (ул. Хази Асланова, вход 110) в 08:00 и 9:00 ежедневно (50 и 18 мест), время в пути – 4 часа, расстояние – 281 км (стоимость билетов: 11 манатов / 272411,76 реалов / ≈ 7 долл. США). Такси: 280 манатов. Обмен валюты в Астаре – «Kapital Bank» (пр-т Гейдара Алиева, 71) (Пн-Пт 09:00 — 18:00). ✈️ Из Баку в Россию осуществляется до 20 прямых авиарейсов в день («Аэрофлот», «Россия», «Red Wings», «S7», «Utair», «ИрАэро», «Azerbaijan Airlines»). Рекомендуется внимательно следить за сообщениями/предупреждениями российских загранучреждений, авиакомпаний, туроператоров. ☎️ В случае необходимости обращаться на телефоны экстренной связи Посольств России: в Иране (+98-21-6670-1161/63, +98-993-814-7226; [email protected]); в Азербайджане (+994-12-597-0870, +994-50-270-2659, [email protected]); в Израиле (+972-53-600-3847, +972-54-962-2341; [email protected]). Круглосуточная «горячая линия»Департамента Ситуационно-кризисного центра МИД: +7-495-695-4545, эл.почта [email protected]. По мере изменения обстановки будем информировать дополнительно.

🇷🇺The 28th St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2025) is scheduled to convene in St Petersburg from June 18 to 21, 2025 📍The venue, in accordance with tradition, is the ExpoForum Convention and Exhibition Centre. The SPIEF has solidified its reputation as a distinguished international platform for dialogue among business leaders, government officials, academia, and expert communities, tackling issues in the global economy, sustainable development, and technological transformation. Anticipated participants include heads of state, leaders of international organisations, representatives of major corporations, as well as civil society and media. 🤝The focal theme of the forum is the pursuit of common benchmarks and the formulation of sustainable development strategies amidst global turbulence. The business programme encompasses over 150 sessions covering topics such as the digital economy, environmental sustainability, healthcare, international collaboration, technological innovation, and regional development. International interest in the SPIEF continues to be robust: in 2023, it drew more than 17,000 participants from 130 countries, whereas in 2024, attendance surpassed 21,800 delegates from 139 nations. The most recent forum resulted in 1,073 agreements valued at approximately 6.5 trillion roubles, highlighting the high level of trust and business engagement. Under the patronage of the President of the Russian Federation since 2006, the SPIEF is organised by the Roscongress Foundation with the support of pertinent ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation. ❗️We believe that the St Petersburg Forum remains an essential instrument for constructive international engagement, promoting a multipolar world, reinforcing economic stability, and seeking balanced solutions to contemporary challenges. Senior officials and representatives of the Foreign Ministry will take part in thematic sessions and panel discussions on issues devoted to shifts in the global economy and trade, integration processes, regional cooperation, energy and food security, technological advancement, as well as country-specific business dialogues and BRICS and SCO business forums. Noteworthy sessions include “Shaping a Multipolar Economy: The Role and Place of Russia and Eurasia”, “International Trade and Climate Regulation: Barrier-Free Solutions for BRICS, SCO, EAEU, and APEC”, and “The Yalta-Potsdam System of International Relations: Lessons from the Past or a Vision of the Future”. #SPIEF#RussianMFA

⚡️On 14 June, in accordance with the agreements reached on 2 June in Istanbul, another group of Russian servicemen were returned from the territory controlled by the Kiev regime. In exchange, a group of AFU prisoners of war was returned. At present, Russian servicemen are on the territory of the Republic of Belarus, where they are provided with the necessary medical and psychological assistance. All the Russian servicemen will be transported to the Russian Federation for treatment and rehabilitation at medical facilities of the Russian Defence Ministry. 🔹Russian Defence Ministry

🇷🇺 On June 12, 2025, a ceremonial reception took place in Cape Town to mark Russia Day 🤝 Among the guests were House Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces — the upper house of South Africa’s Parliament — Honorable Mr. B. Radebe, a delegation from the Northern Cape government, Mr. M. Mahlulo, Director for International Relations in the Office of the Premier of the Eastern Cape, as well as leaders of the ANC and COSATU in Western Cape and other allied political movements. The event also brought together representatives of the business community, civil society, local media, consular corps, and members of the Russian-speaking diaspora. 📢In his address Mr. Radebe reaffirmed South Africa’s solidarity with the Russian Federation and highlighted the importance of promoting a multipolar world based on equality and mutual respect. He commended Russia’s role in BRICS and expressed confidence in the further development of strategic cooperation for the benefit of the Global South. #RussiaSouthAfrica

🇷🇺12 июня 2025 года в Кейптауне состоялся торжественный прием по случаю празднования Дня России 🤝 На мероприятии присутствовали заместитель председателя Национального совета провинций — верхней палаты парламента ЮАР, председатель Комитета по международным отношениям и поддержке членов Нацсовета Б.Радебе, делегация правительства Северного Кейпа, директор по вопросам международных отношений администрации премьера провинции Восточный Кейп М.Махлуло, лидеры провинциальных отделений АНК, профблока КОСАТУ и других дружественных политических движений Западного Кейпа. Прием также посетили представители деловых и общественных кругов, кейптаунских СМИ, консульского корпуса и активисты русскоязычной общины. В ответной речи Б.Радебе подчеркнул неизменную солидарность с Российской Федерацией, отметив значимость укрепления многополярного мира на принципах равноправия и взаимного уважения. Он высоко оценил вклад России в деятельность БРИКС, выразив уверенность в дальнейшем углублении стратегического партнёрства в интересах всего Глобального Юга. #RussiaSouthAfrica

⚡️Russia's Foreign Ministry Statement in connection with Israel’s strikes on Iran Read in full 💬 We express our profound concern regarding the dangerous escalation of tensions in the Middle East. ❗️ We strongly condemn the military actions undertaken by the State of Israel on the night of June 13, which constitute a clear violation of the UN Charter as well as established principles of international law. Unprovoked military strikes against a sovereign member state of the United Nations, against its citizens, peaceful cities, and critical nuclear energy infrastructure facilities, are totally unacceptable. The international community must not ignore such acts, which not only jeopardise peace but also undermine security both in the region and globally. The timing of these attacks appears to be particularly cynical as they have occurred amidst a session of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and just ahead of the next round of indirect talks between representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States. These actions have drastically undermined the progress of painstaking multilateral diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and seeking solutions to eliminate suspicions and the bias surrounding Iran’s peaceful nuclear programme. It is evident that West Jerusalem has made a deliberate decision to further escalate the situation and raise stakes. We have warned on numerous occasions about the destabilising effects of military ventures that threaten peace and security in the region. The full responsibility for the consequences of these provocative acts lies with the Israeli leadership. We are closely monitoring the actions by the IAEA, which carries significant responsibility in this challenging situation. IAEA personnel, alongside citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, have also been exposed to Israeli strikes. We expect the IAEA Director General to provide balanced and objective assessments of the current developments – in particular, a comprehensive analysis of the potential radiological consequences of the attacks on nuclear facilities in Iran. We also hope that the Western countries, which provoked the recent wave of anti-Iran hysteria at the IAEA Board of Governors, once again pushing through a short-term resolution tailored to suit their political preferences and entrenched phobias, despite its lack of broad international support, will come to realise the dangerous consequences of their destructive approach as well as the degree of responsibility they bear for the unfolding tragedy. ☝️ We strongly believe that, regardless of any justifications that may be offered by those who planned, developed, and carried out the attacks, the issue of the Iranian nuclear programme cannot and must not be resolved by military means. A sustainable settlement is only possible through peaceful, political, and diplomatic efforts. We sincerely hope that this understanding will ultimately prevail. We call on the parties to exercise restraint to avoid further escalation and prevent a full-scale war in the region. In this context, we note that the US is ready to hold another round of talks with Iran on the latter’s nuclear programme in Oman.

🇷🇺#RussiaDay About the Motherland What do the weeping birches sing of, A melody full of light and tears? Of Motherland they sing, of Motherland only. What do wintering birds long for From beyond the cold granite borders? For Motherland they long, for Motherland only. In moments of sadness, in time of adversity Who shall caress us and who shall save us? Motherland, Motherland only. In bitter frost whom shall we warm, And in difficult time whom shall we support (take pity upon)? Motherland, dear Motherland only. When we depart for interstellar flight, What do our earthly hearts sing of? Of Motherland they sing, of Motherland only. We live in the name of goodness and love, And the best songs of yours and mine Are of Motherland, of Motherland only. Under scorching sun and in heavy snow My thoughts and my prayers Are always with Motherland, With Motherland only. Lyrics by Rasul Gamzatov

🇷🇺Russia Day — a Moment for Warm Words from True Friends and Partners Messages of congratulations and solidarity from South African political and public figures on the occasion of Russia’s national holiday. #RussiaSouthAfrica

#KievRegimeCrimes TheInternational Public Tribunalon the Crimes of Ukrainian Neo-Nazis (includes representatives of civil society from more than 30 countries), chaired byMaxim Grigoriev, continues recording reports of war crimes committed by the Kiev regime towards prisoners of war (POWs). 📓 On May 30, the Tribunal published a report titled "Ukraine's War Crimes: Torture and Abuse of Captive Russian Servicemen". Nearly all Russian servicemen suffered repeated brutal beatings while held in combat units, Security Service of Ukraine facilities, detention centres, and Ukrainian concentration camps, as well as during transfers through numerous checkpoints. Many victims report that inciting dogs on people was another common torture method. Particularly brutal torture was inflicted by Ukrainians on Buryats, Yakuts, Crimean residents, DPR/LPR fighters, former Wagner fighters, and current Akhmat fighters. Russian servicemen describe cases of sophisticated abuse and widespread sadistic practices carried out by members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. ❗️ Interviewees widely testify to sadistic behavior by Ukrainian doctors, including surgeries and procedures performed without anesthesia on Russian POWs — similar to Nazi doctor Mengele's experiments at Auschwitz. ▪️Azat Rakhimov: At first, the Ukrainians would hold my head underwater, cover my face, and drown me — a form of water torture where you can’t breathe. When I lost consciousness, they’d stop, then start again. On May 23, they were celebrating a holiday and grilling barbecue. When they ran out of meat, they said, “Let’s roast him.”They proceeded to heat a metal pipe and press it against my back and legs, leaving severe burns. After the flesh blistered, they peeled off the burnt skin and poured salt directly into the open wounds. The burning sensation was constant — the heat, the pain, and the salt eating into me. ▪️ Vladimir Palitsyn: I lost my teeth during the first interrogation. The Ukrainians knocked out my teeth. They strapped me to an electric chair. The electrodes were attached to my genitals and chest. The electric current was applied in three modes. It was called 'dancing' — switching between low and high current. I thought my eyes would pop out. ▪️ Ivan Myakishev:When I was in the 'Zapad-4' concentration camp, one prisoner asked for burn ointment but was denied. The Ukrainian guards tortured him with a heated metal pipe, they rolled it all over his body. They heated it over a fire and pressed it against his skin. Read the first-hand testimonies and accounts by Russia's Armed Forces servicemen who were captured by the AFU, endured barbaric torture at the hands of Ukrainian neo-Nazis and their accomplices, and were later released 👇 Read & browse the report in full