Russian Consulate in Cape Town

🎙️Excerpts from the interview with the Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for the Middle East and Africa, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov for "Izvestia" Multimedia Information Centre (Moscow, February 11, 2025) ❓Question: The Russian approach as a "security provider" has been successfully implemented in Sudan, the Central African Republic, and Mali. Are there requests from other African countries to cooperate with our country in this area? 💬Answer: Our cooperation in the field of security in Africa extends far beyond the countries you mentioned. At the same time, Russian assistance in this area is always provided exclusively at the request of local authorities. It is with regret that we must acknowledge that the political and socio-economic situation in many parts of Africa remains highly unstable. Inter-ethnic and national conflicts have not been resolved, and the increasing activity of numerous terrorist organizations on the continent is of particular concern. The conflict potential in the Sahara-Sahel region, the Central African Republic, the Great Lakes region, and the Horn of Africa remains high. The situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo has also significantly deteriorated. However, long-term peace and stability in Africa are fundamental prerequisites for the further sustainable socio-economic development of the continent’s states. Against this backdrop, Russia, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, is making every effort to resolve current conflicts and prevent the emergence of new ones. We are actively engaged in the specialized structures of this global organization, including initiatives from the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, aimed at preventing the spread of weapons to terrorist groups, among other programs. Furthermore, we are strengthening our joint efforts with African partners to achieve peace and security, prevent and resolve conflicts, and fight against terrorism. Relevant provisions are enshrined in the current memorandums of cooperation between Russia and the African Union, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). We are ready to assist in the formation of African countries’ own crisis response forces. In the framework of bilateral cooperation, Russia conducts annual courses for the training of African peacekeepers at specialized Russian educational institutions. We remain open to cooperation and are ready to share our experience with our African friends. #RussianMFA

🗓 80 years ago, on 13 February 1945, the Red Army liberated the capital of Hungary and victoriously concluded the Budapest strategic offensive operation that lasted over 3 months and was of a fierce nature. The liberation of Budapest marked the end of an important stage of military actions in Southeastern Europe. After inflicting major damage on the German Army Group South, the Red Army was able to prepare and conduct final operations in Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Austria. The achievements of the Soviet soldiers also contributed to a rapid retreat of the enemy from the territory of Yugoslavia, occupied by the Nazis as early as in 1941. After the German occupiers plundered the country and exported a huge volume of food to Germany, the Hungarian people found themselves in an extremely difficult situation. The inhabitants of Budapest were doomed to starvation. In this situation, in March 1945, the Government of the Soviet Union decided to send food supplies to Hungary, and from June 1945, new increased food rations were introduced. In addition, the Red Army soldiers carried out enormous demining operations in the Hungarian capital. ❗Today, as attempts to distort and falsify history are on the rise in Europe, it is crucial to respect and honour the memory of the heroes who gave their lives for freedom and peace of the future generations.

🇷🇺🇺🇸📞 Russia's President Vladimir Putin and President of the United States of America Donald Trumphad a telephone conversation. The Leaders discussed issues related to the prisoner exchange between Russia and the United States. The US President assured the Russian President of the American side's commitment to fulfill all the agreements reached. The Leaders also discussed a possible Ukraine settlement. Donald Trump spoke in favour of stopping the hostilities as soon as possible and solving the crisis peacefully. In turn, Vladimir Putin pointed out it was necessary to eliminate the root causes of the conflict and agreed with Donald Trump in that a sustainable settlement could only be reached via peaceful negotiations. ❗️ Additionally, the Russian President expressed support for one of the US President's key arguments, which was that it's time for both countries to work together. The issues of Middle East settlement, Iran's nuclear programme, and bilateral economic relations between Russia and the United States were also brought up during the conversation. The Russian President invited the US President to visit Moscow and expressed willingness to receive visiting officials from the United States to discuss topics of mutual interest, including a possible Ukraine settlement. Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump agreed to maintain personal contact in the future, involving in particular in-person meetings.

🇷🇺Russia's Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large for the G20, APEC and BEP Marat Berdyev interview with the Interfax News Agency, February 10, 2025 Question: What ideas and initiatives are we bringing to the upcoming G20 meeting? Answer: The G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Johannesburg, scheduled for February 20-21, with the participation of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, will be the first G20 ministerial-level meeting of the year. We expect it to set a positive tone for the collective work of the forum under the leadership of our South African friends. Amid growing global tensions, this platform will provide an opportunity for an honest and productive exchange of views, focusing on the current international situation and macroeconomic realities. As tradition dictates, the Russian delegation will be headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov. We will share with our G20 colleagues our view on the root causes of global strategic instability, as well as the increasing risks to the integrity and effective functioning of international markets, supply chains, and business operation mechanisms. It is necessary to acknowledge that the West’s policy of confrontation with emerging power centers, using a broad array of "hybrid warfare" tactics and neocolonial practices, has led to a critical level of confrontation. This destructive scenario threatens the fragmentation of the global economic system and the serious erosion of decades-long achievements in development. In the 80th anniversary year of the victory in the Great Patriotic War and the founding of the United Nations, we will draw special attention to the central role of the United Nations and its Charter in resolving disputes, ensuring coordinated responses to challenges and threats, and the need for a united fight against the glorification of Nazism and neo-Nazism. We aim to emphasize the fundamental importance of the principles of sovereign equality of states and indivisible security for all, in the context of maintaining peace and stability. Another crucial issue for us, especially in light of the first-ever African "watch" of the G20, is Russia’s commitment to strengthening the positions of the Global South countries in key decision-making mechanisms in the interest of multipolarity. Relevant promises were made during the G20’s first summit in Washington in 2008, and some progress in this direction has been observed; however, it has been consistently hindered by both the United States and the European Union. We will highlight our efforts to promote international cooperation formats and integration initiatives with a unifying agenda, such as BRICS, the EAEU, and the flagship initiative of President Vladimir Putin to form a Greater Eurasian Partnership.

✉️ President of Russia Vladimir Putincongratulated current staff and veterans of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation on their professional holiday, Diplomatic Worker's Day. The message reads, in part: ✍️ The Russian Foreign Ministry can be justly proud of its rich and glorious history. Its employees have always served the Motherland with honour, displaying civic courage, exceptional professionalism and dedication to duty. Continuing these traditions with dignity, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the current challenging international environment, firmly and consistently defends Russia's legitimate national interests. It ensures effective cooperation with the global majority states in order to build a just multipolar world order based on mutual respect, the rule of international law, and the principles of equal and indivisible security. This is evidenced, in particular, by the productive work of the Russian chairmanship in #BRICS and the success of the Group’s Summit in Kazan. There is no doubt that in the year of the 80th Anniversary of the Great Victory Russian diplomats will continue their active efforts in opposing any attempts to falsify history, manifestations of neo-Nazism, Russophobia and other forms of discrimination based on ethnic or religious grounds. Moreover, protecting the rights of our compatriots abroad remains a priority. I am confident that the close-knit Foreign Ministry team will continue to work with utmost dedication, contributing to the strengthening of Russia's international standing. I sincerely wish all employees of the Ministry's central office and diplomatic missions abroad continued success, and to the veterans of the diplomatic service good health, high spirits and longevity.

✍️🇷🇺Address by Ambassador of Russia to South Africa Roman Ambarov on the occasion of Diplomat’s Day Dear friends, Today Russian diplomats celebrate their professional holiday. The history of our foreign policy service goes well back in time, largely in lockstep with the stages of the development of Russian statehood. Specifically, the date of our holiday stems from the earliest documented mention of the Ambassadorial Prikaz – Russia’s first department in charge of external relations – in February 1549. Unparalleled patriotism and selfless devotion to the country is what Russian diplomats have always been distinguished by, at all times. We cherish the memory of our outstanding diplomats such as Alexander Gorchakov, Alexander Griboyedov, Andrei Gromyko, Anatolii Dobrynin, Evgeny Primakov, Vitaly Churkin and many others who defended the interests of Russia under any circumstances. This year we celebrate our holiday alongside with the 80th anniversary of the Victory over Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. We pay tribute to the immortal feat of the employees of the People's Commissariat of Foreign Affairs, who stood up to defend the Motherland with weapons in their hands during the harsh years of war. We remember the diplomats, our senior comrades, who brought the Victory closer on the diplomatic front. A photo exhibition on this subject is showcased at the Russian Embassy’s consular office. Russian diplomacy will continue to do our best to ensure world peace and stability, while creating new security partnerships and shaping the political and legal framework as international relations enter the era of multipolarity. We are open to dialogue with all those who share these values. We’ll carry on defending the world that was built on the outcomes of World War II, preserving the historical truth. This noble goal will be achieved, despite all the efforts of our adversaries who increasingly engage in falsification of historical facts, revival of Nazism and militarism, the curtailment of international dialogue in the interests of forceful domination and neocolonialism. As Foreign Minister of the Russian empire Alexander Gorchakov once said, diplomacy is the art of the possible. We’ll make all efforts possible to tackle threats to Russia’s security, protect our allies and promote a more just world order based on national sovereignty and mutual respect. #DiplomatsDay #DiplomatsDay2025#Victory80

Today is Diplomatic Workers' Day aka Diplomats' Day in 🇷🇺#Russia! This date goes back to the earliest documented mention (February 10, 1549) of the Ambassadorial Prikaz —the first state body in our country’s history that oversaw foreign affairs. #DiplomatsDay#DWR2025

🎙 Видеопоздравление С.В.Лаврова по случаю Дня дипломатического работника (10 февраля 2025 года) 💬 Уважаемые коллеги, Сегодня мы отмечаем профессиональный праздник, объединяющий многие поколения дипломатов, посвятивших свою жизнь служению России. Отдаём дань формирующейся традиции чествования дипломатических работников нашей страны, которая ведёт свою историю с 2003 года, когда по решению Президента В.В.Путина мы впервые торжественно отмечали эту знаменательную дату. 🤝 Прежде всего, хотел бы выразить признательность всем, кто сегодня честно выполняет свой долг в Центральном аппарате на Смоленской площади, территориальных представительствах в российских регионах, наших многочисленных загранучреждениях. Благодарю вас за добросовестную службу, самоотдачу и неравнодушный подход к порученному делу. Верность идеалам патриотизма всегда отличала наших дипломатов, которые во все времена, при любом общественно-политическом строе, при любых обстоятельствах твёрдо стояли на страже интересов Отечества. Имена многих из них навеки вписаны в славную летопись истории России. В их числе – А.А.Безбородко, А.М.Горчаков, А.М.Коллонтай и А.Ф.Добрынин, Е.М.Примаков и В.И.Чуркин. И многие, многие другие. Мы бережно храним их память и чтим их заслуги. <...> Нынешний год в дипломатическом календаре особый – он проходит под знаком 80-летия Победы в Великой Отечественной и Второй мировой войне, объявлен Годом защитника Отечества. С особой признательностью воздаём должное бессмертному подвигу сотрудников Народного комиссариата иностранных дел, которые в суровые военные годы встали на защиту Родины с оружием в руках. 🏅 Вспоминаем дипломатов, наших старших товарищей, которые приближалиПобеду на внешнеполитическом фронте. Внесли неоценимый вклад сначала в формирование антигитлеровской коалиции, а затем и в достижение фундаментальных договорённостей в послевоенном мироустройстве, важнейшими из которых были решения о создании Организации Объединённых Наций и принятие её Устава, принципы и цели которой в совокупности и взаимосвязи сохраняют свою актуальность и по сей день. Во многом благодаря решающей роли руководства и дипломатической службы нашей страны Ялтинско-Потсдамская система международных отношений до сих пор гарантировала глобальный мир и безопасность на планете на протяжении восьми десятилетий. Сегодня, когда Россия вновь сталкивается с судьбоносными вызовами, первоочередная задача и священная обязанность – отстоять мир, основанный на правовых итогах Второй мировой войны. <...> Мы будем и далее делать всё от нас зависящее и необходимое для защиты национальных интересов в контексте внешнеполитического сопровождения специальной военной операции и создания безопасных наиболее благоприятных условий развития страны и повышения благосостояния наших граждан. 🌐 Продолжим наращивать разноплановое сотрудничество со всеми здравомыслящими партнёрами и, прежде всего, с Мировым большинством – государствами ближнего зарубежья, Большой Евразии, Африки и Латинской Америки. <...> В этот праздничный день мы с особой теплотой вспоминаем наших старших товарищей, наставников, учителей. По традиции воздаём дань уважения дорогим ветеранам: и тем, кто уже на заслуженном отдыхе, и тем, кто по-прежнему с нами в строю. Обращаюсь к нашей мидовской молодёжи: вы влились в дружный коллектив Министерства на переломном этапе истории, и вам нести дальше знамя российской дипломатии. Перенимайте всё лучшее у ветеранов, не останавливайтесь ни на секунду в своём развитии, будьте верны своей стране и народу России. Ну, и конечно, хочу поблагодарить всех родных и близких наших дипломатов, особенно тех из них, кто несёт вахту вдалеке от Родины – за терпение, мудрость, помощь и любовь. Надёжный «семейный» тыл – это всегда важнейшая составляющая успешной дипломатической работы. 🎉 Желаю всем вам доброго здоровья, благополучия, новых свершений на благо Отечества. Успехов и удачи! Ещё раз с праздником! Читайте полностью #ДДР2025#ДеньДипломата

🎖Урок мужества для воспитанников Русского детского центра в Кейптауне 9 февраля 2025 года сотрудники Генерального консульства России в Кейптауне провели Урок мужества для воспитанников Русского детского центра, приуроченный к 83-й годовщине победы в Сталинградской битве. Мероприятие было организовано в рамках Всероссийского общественного движения «Волонтёры Победы» и направлено на воспитание патриотизма, уважения к истории и сохранение памяти о героях Великой Отечественной войны среди подрастающего поколения. Исторические события Сталинградской битвы вызвали живой интерес у юных воспитанников центра. Дети внимательно слушали, активно задавали вопросы, размышляли о причинах войны и о том, почему важно помнить и чтить такие исторические события. Особый отклик вызвали рассказы о судьбах мирных жителей Сталинграда и роли отдельных героев битвы. Многих удивил масштаб боевых действий, а когда речь зашла о городах, знакомых им по личным поездкам, — Москве, Киеве, Петербурге, — история стала для них еще ближе.

🎙 Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova’s comment on yet another barbaric crime by the Kiev regime against Russian civilian population 💬 On February 8, the Kiev junta once again demonstrated its inhuman Nazi nature by committing yet another cynical bloody crime. The Ukrainian armed forces purposefully attacked a densely populated area of the city of Makeyevka in the Donetsk People's Republic of the Russian Federation. The victims of the pre-planned and carefully prepared shelling of the city's central part were civilians, including women and children. We strongly condemn this criminal act of terrorism. The Western curators of the Kiev regime, who regularly incite current Ukrainian authorities to commit bloody crimes, were directly involved in its organisation. Responsibility for this act lies not only with Ukrainian neo-Nazis but also with the ruling circles of Western countries, which stubbornly and irresponsibly continue to pump the Ukrainian armed forces with weapons. The shelling of populated areas in Donbass, Kherson and Zaporozhye Regions, Crimea and other Russian regions, merciless and indiscriminate killings of civilians show the agony of the Zelensky regime,mired in terrorism, lawlessness, corruption and cynicism, which is seeking to kill as many Russian people as possible to please its Western masters. ☝️We call on all responsible governments and relevant international organisations to condemn yet another terrorist attack. Keeping silent in response to the barbarity of the Ukrainian Nazis is tantamount to complicity in their bloody acts.

🗓 On February 5, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrovtook part in a roundtable discussion "The Ukraine Crisis: Failed Cancel Culture". The event, organised by the Diplomatic Academy with the support of the Foreign Ministry of Russia, brought together 95 Ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions accredited in Moscow, as well as international associations. In his remarks, Sergey Lavrov strongly condemned the attempts by Washington and its European satellites to cancel all things Russian: discriminate against Russian media, ban the use of the Russian language and Russian culture, and falsify historical facts. He pointed out the aggressive Russophobia of the Kiev regime which has launched a campaign to eradicate any trace of Russian cultural presence. ❗️ The Minister stated that the course to isolate Russia had completely failed which is confirmed by large-scale international activities of both the country and its leadership on the global, regional, and bilateral levels. Russia’s leading positions can be reaffirmed by a large number of international scientific, cultural, sports and youth events which are held regularly on its territory as well as student exchanges and projects to promote the Russian language and Russian education. Sergey Lavrov also highlighted the celebrations to be held in 2025 in honour of the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, which Russia was preparing to widely celebrate together with its partners. The participants in the roundtable discussion held a vivid discussion of the Ukrainian crisis and other topical issues on the international agenda.

🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks at a presentation of the Department for Partnership with Africa(Moscow, February 4, 2025) 💬Sergey Lavrov: The establishment of this department underscores the significance that Russia’s leadership places on advancing the African aspect of our foreign policy. This priority is enshrined in the Foreign Policy Concept approved by President Putin in March 2023 and has become increasingly prominent in our practical policies in the international arena. Our African friends have always found a reliable and understanding friend and partner in Russia. <...> Russia selflessly supported Africans in their heroic struggle against colonial powers for freedom and independence, and assisted in developing young states, their economies, strengthening their defence capabilities, training national specialists, and resolving daunting social challenges. <...> Africans are playing an increasingly significant role in global politics and the economy, and widely participate in addressing international issues. The collective voice of African countries in world affairs is growing louderand clearer. Russia consistently advocates for strengthening Africa’s position in the multipolar world that is objectively taking shape before our eyes. This world must be consistently based on the principles of the UN Charter in their entirety and interrelation. <...> 🤝 We support the push of our African friends to secure a permanent seat at the UN Security Council and we respect the decisions taken by Africans in this regard. I’m referring to the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. We welcome the successful development of strong integration entities in Africa. We support our friends’ desire to determine their own future, as they remain guided by the African solutions to African problems principle. Russia-Africa cooperation, which President Vladimir Putin termed strategic in his article “Russia and Africa: Joining Efforts for Peace, Progress and a Successful Future,” is reaching new qualitative heights. The significance of the first and second Russia-Africa Summits, alongside last November’s inaugural ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, cannot be overstated. In conjunction with our African partners, we are implementing agreed measures under the Action Plan adopted in St Petersburg in summer 2023. 📈 Progress is tangible, yet more remains to be done. Even though growing ($25 billion in 2024), our trade and economic cooperation still underperforms relative to its potential. Other African partners post markedly higher figures – a spur to identifying new constructive projects that solidify the material foundations of our strategic partnership. Opportunities abound, particularly in energy, logistics and transport corridors, creation of reliable settlement systems in high-tech domains (including outer space exploration, digital technologies, and nuclear energy), and beyond. We stand ready to collaborate bilaterally and through our like-minded partners and friends in the #EAEU, the #CIS, and the #SCO. Africa’s positions within #BRICS continue to strengthen – a trajectory set to expand further. <...> Russia will continue to support African nations in countering terrorism, including through the establishment of pertinent agencies, ensuring food security, combatting epidemics, and training highly skilled personnel. We are convinced that Africa is our natural ally in our joint endeavours to uphold the UN Charter’s principles of justice and equality. Read in full #RussiaAfrica