Russian Consulate in Cape Town

🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s answer to a question from the Moscow. Kremlin. Putin news show (Moscow, June 1, 2025) ❓ Question: I am not asking you to comment, but still… We saw President Macron being publicly slapped in the face by his wife. Ahead of that we saw the napkin footage. In general, there were many different situations where European leaders were involved, which confirmed the impression that something odd, to put it mildly, was happening to the political elites over there. Does the fact that Europe today has political elites of this sort pose any danger to the world at large? 💬 Sergey Lavrov: All people are living beings. Everyone has passions or hobbies of their own. I am not interfering with anyone’s privacy. I think that politicians should be judged by their political actions and their foreign policy decision-making, since foreign policy is my own métier. I do not see any politicians on the international scene in Europe today, who would amount at least to something – with the exception of two or three individuals.

#Announcement 🌐 On June 5–6, Nizhny Novgorod will host the Global Digital Forum. The Forum is a unique platform for international digital cooperation, built on trust, respect, and equal opportunities for all nations. The event will bring together representatives of international and regional organisations, governments, companies, academic and scientific communities from 122 countries. Over 1'500 international guests are expected to attend in person, with an additional 10'000 participants joining online. Attendees will take part in high-level sessions with top industry leaders, contribute to shaping digital trends, unlock new opportunities for knowledge and partnerships, discover Russia's IT achievements and sign cooperation agreements. 🤝 The Forum’s mission is to identify solutions forbridging the digital divide and strengthen the technological capacities of Global South countries. It also serves as a platform for sharing Russia’s extensive experience, innovations, and solutions in ICT. Key agenda topics include: • Artificial Intelligence • Digital Literacy • Combating Disinformation Governmental experts will also address collaboration across major UN platforms on the global digital agenda, such as the World Summit on the Information Society, the Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime, the Open-Ended Working Group on Information Security, and its planned permanent successor mechanism. 👉Learn more about the Forum 👉Register to participate Registration closes on May 15, 2025. #GDF2025

🎉 Празднование Международного дня защиты детей в Кейптауне В честь Международного дня защиты детей в Кейптауне состоялось праздничное мероприятие, прошедшее на территории одного из знаковых исторических объектов города — Замка Доброй Надежды, включённого в Список всемирного наследия ЮНЕСКО. 🌍 Для детей российских соотечественников, учащихся Русского детского центра, а также их южноафриканских друзей была организована увлекательная экскурсия по старейшей достопримечательности Кейптауна. Юные участники познакомились с богатым историческим наследием крепости и её ролью в культурной жизни Южной Африки. 🎶 Особую атмосферу мероприятию придало выступление волынщиков, погрузившее гостей в атмосферу древних традиций. 🇷🇺 После мастер-класса, посвящённого символике Российской Федерации, дети насладились дружеским чаепитием и праздничными угощениями. 🤝Выражаем признательность руководству Замка Доброй Надежды за тёплый приём и поддержку в организации этого радостного события.

📰Interview with Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova for 'Zapiski Sledovatelya' Journal No. 2/2025, published by Russia's Investigative Committee(May 30, 2025) ✍️The Legal Front of Memory Key talking points: • Combating manifestations of racism, xenophobia, aggressive nationalism and neo-Nazism, and countering attempts to rewrite history and distort the outcomes of #WWII are among Russia’s priorities on the human rights track. • Today we see increasingly frequent attempts to rewrite the history and results of WWII, to erase the memory of heroic anti-fascist fighters, to destroy monuments built in their honour, and to ban the wearing of military decorations that are strongly associated with Victory. • History is being falsified in an openly hostile manner, which includes glorifying Nazi collaborators and disrespecting the memory of Soviet soldiers and civilians who died in the fight against fascism, questioning the Red Army’s liberation mission in Eastern Europe <...> The decisions of the Yalta and Potsdam conferences and the Nuremberg Tribunal verdicts are also being questioned. • This tendency to rewrite history and glorify Nazi henchmen has become part of the Kiev regime’s state ideology and policy. The neo-Nazi elites are trying to cement Ukraine’s independence by denying its Soviet past, praising the Waffen-SS Galicia Division <...> • In line with efforts to combat the glorification of Nazism and the distortion of history, every year since 2005, Russia has submitted a resolution on combatting glorification of Nazism, neo-Nazism and other practices that contribute to fuelling contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, to the UN General Assembly. On December 17, 2024, during the plenary session of the 79th #UNGA in New York, 119 countries voted in support of this document. • Russia and a group of like-minded countries submitted a draft resolution on the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War IIto the ongoing 79th UN General Assembly, which was adopted on March 4. <...> Our partners’ unified stance on this matter constitutes a substantive contribution to countering the rewriting of history. • It is a matter of principle for us that the international community recognise the crimes perpetrated by the Nazis in the Soviet Union during the Great Patriotic War as the genocide of the Soviet people. • The actions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and Nazi-affiliated armed groups reveal signs of genocidal intent. They wanted to eliminate Russians and Russian speakers in #Donbass <...>, adepts of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and people in this region in general as an ethnic, religious and national entity. • Ukraine initiated proceedings in the UN International Court of Justice in February 2022, right after the start of the special military operation, as per the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. However, it turned to the Kiev regime’s disadvantage. • The International Court of Justice issued its preliminary objections under this case on February 2, 2024. In this document, it rejected all the claims made by Ukraine alleging that Russia violated the Convention. The court went on to rule that further proceedings will focus on whether Ukraine itself committed acts of genocide in Donbass. Therefore, the Kiev regime filed the lawsuit only to become a defendant in this case. • On November 18, 2024, Russia submitted its main pleading document, the Counter Memorandum, as part of these proceedings. In fact, this is the first time since the Nuremberg Trials that Russia de facto assumed the role of the prosecution in an international tribunal. But there are even more parallels with the Nuremberg Trials — just as during these trials, we are dealing with a Nazi regime which was targeting civilians with mass atrocities on racial, ethnic and national grounds. Read the interview in full

🇷🇺 The Security Council of the Russian Federation: ⚡️The comprehensive high-level international dialogue on the future architecture of global security has definitively dispelled the myth of Russia’s isolation. The 13th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues concluded in Moscow. The three-day international dialogue chaired by Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Sergey Shoigu held at Rossiya National Centre was attended by 126 delegations from 105 countries that are members of #BRICS, the #SCO, #ASEAN, the #CIS, #CELAC, the African Union, the #CSTO, and other international organisations. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov took part in the plenary session, during which 60 speakers delivered their remarks. The Minister shared his assessments of the Ministry’s performance amid dynamic global processes. The Russian delegation held over 80 bilateral meetings, while foreign representatives held more than 40 bilateral meetings among themselves. Multilateral meetings were held in BRICS, the SCO, the CIS, and Russia-ASEAN formats. A briefing was organized for delegations from African countries, while an expert seminar on global security issues took place as well. 💬 From Secretary of the Security Council of Russia Sergey Shoigu’s remarks at a news conference following the meeting: “The high level of participants and the sheer number of participating countries clearly showed the urgency and the demand for holding such events and dispelled the myth of Russia’s isolation this time again. The participants unanimously noted that the meeting was held in an atmosphere of mutual trust, and the discussions were informative and productive. The open and trust-based dialogue about the need for forming equal and indivisible security architecture served as an effective confirmation of the fact that the multipolar world, in which the security of each country matters, already exists.” Foreign delegations expressed strong interest in the exhibition ‘Journey across Russia’ by the National Centre, which showcased the diversity of our country’s scientific research and cultural endeavours and the multifaceted achievements of modern-day Russia, as well as in the ‘We Accuse’ photo exhibition about the crimes committed by the Kiev regime during the special military operation in Ukraine, as well as in an exhibition dedicated to the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

📰Интервью Заместителя Председателя Правительства Российской Федерации Алексея Оверчука«Российской газете»(28 мая 2025 года) Основные тезисы: • Евразийский союз — это экономическое интеграционное объединение пяти государств Северной Евразии. <...> Россия — это крупный рынок, в силу чего является экономическим центром притяжения для соседних экономик. Для стран региона Россия — географически ближайшая страна, торговая доступность которой определяется её решением развивать с ними общие рынки товаров, услуг, капитала и рабочей силы. • Совместное продвижение стран евразийской пятёрки представляет собой постоянное прощупывание возможного пути скоординированного развития на основе взаимного уважения интересов и консенсусного принятия решений. • Рост ВВП в государствах — членах ЕАЭС в последние годы говорит сам за себя — плюс 4,4% в целом по ЕАЭС в 2024 году. Это существенно выше среднемировых темпов, оцениваемых в 3,3%. • Наши страны вместе укрепляют транспортно-логистическую связанность как внутри #ЕАЭС, так и с нашими ближайшими соседями. Реализуется план сопряжения ЕАЭС с китайской инициативой «Одни пояс — один путь», вместе развиваем международный транспортный коридор «Север — Юг». <...> • Наш союз — это большой общий рынок, где все пять государств-членов заинтересованы в росте своих экономик. Для этого необходимо не только создавать лучшие условия для ведения бизнеса на общем внутреннем рынке, но и для продвижения товаров из ЕАЭС на экспорт. • Когда речь заходит о заключении соглашений о свободной торговле, то сообща наши пять стран имеют более сильную переговорную позицию. У ЕАЭС такие соглашения уже есть с Вьетнамом и Сербией, ещё одно с 15 мая 2025 года заработало с Ираном. • Евразия обладает колоссальным созидательным потенциалом, где страны севера и юга стремятся к развитию и многое для этого делают. Есть такие международные объединения, как #ШОСи #АСЕАН, #БРИКС+, строящие отношения на взаимном уважении участвующих сторон. • Мы рассматриваем ЕАЭС как центр экономической кристаллизации Северной Евразии, достигший высокого уровня социального и экономического развития, а также в целом решивший проблемы продовольственной и энергетической безопасности. Это делает нашу пятёрку привлекательным партнёром для стран Глобального Юга, которые до сих пор не могут преодолеть последствия колониальной зависимости от стран Западной Европы. • EАЭС — это молодое интеграционное объединение, ему всего десять лет. <...> Деловое сообщество и люди в странах пятёрки ЕАЭС начинают осознавать преимущества союзной интеграции. Они видят, что внутрисоюзная торговля имеет меньше барьеров и удобнее торговли с третьими странами, что доказывается опережающими темпами её роста. • Сегодня наблюдателями при ЕАЭС являются Иран, Узбекистан и Куба. Наряду с этим в силу глубоких исторических, культурных, гуманитарных и хозяйственных связей существует высокая степень интеграции с государствами — членами #СНГ. • ЕАЭС открыт не только странам постсоветского пространства. Кроме того, государствами — членами ЕАЭС уже принимаются многосторонние соглашения, доступные для присоединения государств, не входящих в наше интеграционное объединение. • Современная Северная Евразия,частью которой является Россия, состоит из независимых государств, которые объединяет общая великая история, ценности, торгово-экономические связи и принадлежность к уникальной евразийской цивилизации, которую нельзя назвать ни азиатской, ни европейской. • Задача евразийской интеграции состоит в сохранении этого наследия и формировании условий для общего процветающего будущего многочисленных народов, населяющих это необъятное пространство. Читайте полностью

📄Vladimir Putinsent a message of greetings to President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, and Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan to congratulate them on the Day of the Eurasian Economic Union(May 29, 2025). ✍️Vladimir Putin: Please accept my heartfelt greetings on the Day of the Eurasian Economic Union. Integration processes within #EAEU have gathered substantial momentum and have been quite fruitful. We created a common market, which provides for the free movement of goods, services, capital and labour. There is an ongoing effort to harmonise our national regulations in key sectors, while we succeed in undertaking joint economic and infrastructure projects. I am certain that we will keep doing everything to step up our constructive multi-faceted cooperation for the benefit of our peoples and to ensure well-being and stability across the Eurasian space. I wish you good health and success, and happiness and prosperity to your fellow citizens.

🇷🇺🇦🇲🇧🇾🇰🇿🇰🇬 Happy EAEU Day! 📅 Since the signing of the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union on May 29, 2014, the Union has consistently kept pace with the times, building integration for the benefit of the people and businesses of all member states. 🤝 This progress would not have been possible without the close cooperation of all EAEU countries and the work of the Eurasian Economic Commission. 📊 As a result, from 2015 to 2024, the Union’s total GDP grew by 17.8%, industrial output increased by nearly 30%, and agricultural production rose by 25.5%. Both intra-union trade and trade with external partners more than doubled over this period. ❗A major factor behind this success has been the EAEU’s extensive network of international partnerships, including free trade agreements with 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇷🇸 Serbia, and 🇮🇷 Iran, as well as a trade agreement with 🇨🇳 China. 🎊 We warmly congratulate the citizens of the Union on EAEU Day, express our gratitude to our partners, and look forward with confidence to the continued development of Eurasian integration! #EAEU #EAEUDay

🇷🇺🇺🇸📞 On May 28, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrovhad a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The Minister informed Marco Rubio about implementing the May 19 agreements between President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of the United States Donald Trump, as well as about the preparation by the Russian side of specific proposals for the next round of direct Russian-Ukrainian negotiations in Istanbul. For his part, Marco Rubio emphasised Donald Trump's intention to quickly bring the Ukraine conflict to an end and expressed Washington's readiness to help the sides to bring their positions closer together. 🤝 They reaffirmed their mutual commitment to continue constructive and reciprocally respectful dialogue between the foreign policy agencies of Russia and the United States.

🎙 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s statement on the second round of the resumed direct Russian-Ukrainian talks (Moscow, May 28, 2025) 💬 As you know, with support from the United States, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, it became possible to pave the way for the resumption of direct Russian-Ukrainian negotiations. The first round was held on May 16 in Istanbul. Pursuant to the agreements reached, the parties have exchanged 1,000 prisoners of war each. In addition, Moscow and Kiev agreed in Istanbul to prepare documents setting out the parties’ respective stances on achieving a sustainable settlement. ❗️ As agreed, the Russian side promptly drafted a memorandum that sets out our views on all aspects of reliably overcoming the root causes of the crisis. Our delegation, led by Vladimir Medinsky, is ready to present this memorandum to the Ukrainian delegation and provide the necessary clarifications during a second round of resumed direct talks in Istanbul next Monday, June 2. I would like to once again express my gratitude to our Turkish partners for providing a hospitable venue for the talks, which Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed yesterday during his visit to Moscow. ☝️ We hope that all parties that are genuinely interested in the success of the peace process rather than just claim to be in favour of the initiative willsupport the new round of direct Russian-Ukrainian talks in Istanbul.

📣Стартовал 5-й сезон международной премии «Мы вместе». 🤝 Данный конкурс направлен на поддержку и продвижение проектов, ориентированных на помощь людям и повышение качества жизни в России и мире. 🌍 Тема международного трека премии – социальное партнерство для глобального развития. 🗳️ Заявки могут подать иностранные граждане старше 18 лет и НКО по двум номинациям: устойчивое будущее и помощь людям. ✈️Для иностранных лауреатов предусмотрены денежные призы на сумму 10.000 долларов США и приглашение на международный форум, который состоится в Москве в декабре 2025 г. ❗️Отбор заявок – до 23 июня. 🔗Подробная информация о международной премии

🎙Address by President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin to participants of the 13th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues(May 28, 2025) 💬 Vladimir Putin: I am pleased to welcome you to Moscow for the 13th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues. Over the past nearly fifteen years, your Forum has convincingly affirmed its significant status and authority. I know that in these days, participants of the Meeting — representatives of delegations from many states — can expect a substantial programme, with the main discussion dedicated to the prospects of establishing a new global security architecture. ☝️ As for Russia, our approaches remain principled and unchanged. I have said it before and will reiterate: we are convinced that the new security architecture must be equal and indivisible — that is, all states must receive firm guarantees of their own security, but not at the expense of the security and interests of other countries. It is vital to make our continent a space of peace and stability, an example of sustainable economic, social, and cultural development. We believe that the foundation for creating such a universal security system could be the existing and well-established multilateral cooperation formats, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the Eurasian Economic Union, the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and others. Your current meeting is widely attended by states of the Global South and East. It is they, in essence, who form the global majority, seek to influence regional and international processes more actively, and uphold the principle of sovereign equality and the right to their own development model. Undoubtedly, in building joint efforts, it is necessary to rely on positive historical experience, on the lessons of the past. This year marks the 80th Anniversary of the end of #WWII, which fundamentally influenced the development of the international community. The experience of uniting states in the fight against evil, against Nazism and militarism, the understanding of the colossal price humanity paid for peace and freedom, for the right of peoples to choose their own path of development, laid the foundations of the post-war world order and led to the creation of the UN — a universal, legitimate organisation based on the principles of international law, which has helped overcome many geopolitical challenges. Today, it is especially important to preserve the truth about the events of those years, to counter attempts to rewrite history, to cast doubt on the decisive contribution of the peoples of the Soviet Union to the Victory over Hitler’s Germany, and to glorify Nazi criminals and their accomplices. Just recently, on May 9, we solemnly marked the Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The celebrations in Moscow became yet another symbol of unity around the ideals of the Great Victory, demonstrating once again the commitment of our friends and partners to shaping a safer world, to constructive cooperation, and to jointly addressing global challenges. I am convinced that this latest meeting of high representatives overseeing security issues will contribute to the development of new important approaches to strengthening international peace and stability and will help advance dialogue for the benefit of all countries and peoples. I wish you success.