🇿🇦SA hosts G20 Framework Working Group meeting
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Technical meetings under the Group of 20 (G20) Finance Track have begun this week with a meeting of the Framework Working Group (FWG).
This after South Africa kicked off its G20 Presidency with the hosting of the G20 Sherpa and Finance Track Meetings in December 2024.
“The National Treasury and the South African Reserve Bank are jointly responsible for overseeing the work of the G20 Finance Track.
“The mandate of the FWG is to promote strong, sustainable, balanced, and inclusive growth, and does so by identifying, monitoring and assessing global macroeconomic risks, vulnerabilities and uncertainties and recommending suitable policy responses to global shocks and cross-cutting global challenges,” National Treasury said in a statement.
The G20 is a grouping of developed and developing countries which together form a powerful bloc representing at least 85% of the world’s Gross Domestic Product and some 75% of international trade – making the FWG critical.
The first day of the meeting on the main headwinds to global growth, ongoing supply and demand risks to inflation, and the main fiscal risks to growth and inflation. It will also discuss the economic outlook for Africa.
South Africa’s outlined priorities include:
• enhancing global economic resilience in light of growth risks like fragmentation and macroeconomic imbalances;
• strengthening macroeconomic foundations and growth reforms in light of climate change and
• assessing labour productivity, technological development and demographic change
This week’s FWG meeting is the first of four to be held.
“The remaining three meetings for this Working Group are scheduled for April, June and September, in person, in venues across the country.
“The outcomes of these meetings will inform discussions at the meetings of the Finance and Central Bank Deputies and Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors,” the statement concluded.
The G20 Leaders’ Summit is expected to be held in the latter half of 2025. – SAnews.gov.za
#RussianMFA#RussiaSouthAfrica#G20
✍South African journalist Gillian Schutte has published a critical article titled “The Spectacle of Innocence: How the Narrative of ‘Stolen Children’ Became the West’s Weapon of War,” in response to a piece originally published by The Washington Post under the headline “Thousands of Ukraine’s children vanished into Russia. This one made it back” and later republished by South African IOL
Schutte’s article directly challenges the accusations against Russia presented in the original story, offering a sober reassessment of the narrative widely promoted in Western media regarding alleged “child abductions” during the Ukraine conflict.
🔍 Key Points:
📌Discrepancy Between Reported Figures and Verified Data
“Ukrainian officials inflate the figure still further: ‘maybe 50,000, maybe 100,000.’ No one knows for sure. No one can prove anything.”
"According to Russia’s official delegation at the Istanbul peace talks… the only list ever presented to Moscow by Ukraine includes 339 names. Russia says it has already returned 101 of these children.”
📌Deliberate omission of Russia’s humanitarian actions: evacuation of children from conflict zones by Russian forces
“Many [children] were found alone in buildings or hospitals. Others were taken to safety at great personal risk by Russian soldiers, some of whom died in the effort.”
📌 “Western soft power thrives on emotional shorthand: Saddam’s incubator babies, Gaddafi’s Viagra-fuelled soldiers, and now Putin’s child kidnappers.”
📌“A child is the cipher of innocence, the mirror of adult failure, the vessel into which we pour our grief, outrage, and moral certainty.”
📌“The story reads like it was written by a Pentagon-funded scriptwriter, with emotional cues planted at every paragraph break, not to report on the tragedy of war, but to mobilise sentiment for war.”
📌“Western soft power thrives on emotional shorthand: Saddam’s incubator babies, Gaddafi’s Viagra-fuelled soldiers, and now Putin’s child kidnappers.”
📌“Medinsky’s statement in Istanbul was clear. Russia is open to verification. Russia is returning children. Russia is establishing regular exchanges.”
📌 “We should care for every child affected by war. But we should be suspicious of which children we are told to care about, and why.”
🔗Read the full article
✍ Author: Gillian Schutte
#russianMFA
🎙️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
“Decoding the Ukraine Crisis: Historical context and current implications”
✍🏻 An article by Aleksei Malenko, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Cape Town (January 24, 2025)
Key points:
• In a desperate bid to maintain their waning dominance, the West is actively promoting the narrative that Russia initiated aggression against Ukraine. However, international conflicts are rarely straightforward, and interpretation of events is often manipulated to serve the interests of specific states. The history of diplomacy of our Anglo-Saxon counterparts is full of episodes where deception and coercion were employed without hesitation.
• In 2013, Ukraine’s turn toward closer ties with the European Union marked a significant shift in its foreign policy. This decision triggered a series of events, culminating in political instability within the country — the Maidan protests. Ultimately, the then-President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted. Western interference in Ukraine’s domestic affairs played a decisive role in reshaping both its internal governance and its foreign orientation.
• One of the central accusations against Russia was the annexation of Crimea. In February 2014, following the change of government in Kiev, a referendum on the status of Crimea was held. An overwhelming majority of residents — more than 95% — voted to join Russia.
• The Kiev regime flagrantly violated the Charter’s provisions focused on language and religion, officially banning Russian and persecuting the Orthodox Church. If we are to uphold the UN Charter, it must be respected in its entirety, rather than selectively applied to suit convenient narratives.
• Russia’s active involvement in peace negotiations, including the signing of the Minsk Agreements in 2015, was an effort to resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine. These agreements, which called for a ceasefire and autonomy for Donetsk and Luhansk, were signed by then-leaders Angela Merkel of Germany, Francois Hollande of France, Peter Poroshenko of Ukraine and were never honoured any of them. Instead, Western powers used the agreements as a pause to rearm Ukraine.
• Zelensky’s presidential term officially ended on May 20, 2024, yet he has refused to call elections, likely aware of his dwindling support. According to Ukraine’s constitution, power should have transferred to the Verkhovna Rada, the parliament. This transfer did not occur, rendering Ukraine’s government illegitimate. At the end of August this year, the mandate of the Verkhovna Rada also expired. As a result, there is no legitimate authority left in Ukraine, neither executive nor legislative one.
👉🏻 Read in full
#RussianMFA
2024 Annual News Conference and Direct Line with the people of Russia by President Vladimir Putin
Ukraine Conflict Resolution: "We are ready to seek compromise solutions in discussions with the incoming U.S. administration to address the situation in Ukraine."
Military Objectives in Ukraine: "Russia is getting closer to achieving its primary goals in Ukraine."
Economic Resilience: "Despite external pressures, the Russian economy has demonstrated resilience and continues to grow."
International Relations: "We are open to constructive dialogue with all nations, based on mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs."
Energy Policy: "Russia remains a reliable supplier of energy resources and is committed to fulfilling its obligations to international partners."
Defense Capabilities: "We will continue to enhance our defense capabilities to ensure national security and protect our sovereignty."
Domestic Development: "Our focus remains on improving the quality of life for our citizens through economic development and social programs."
Technological Advancement: "Investing in technology and innovation is crucial for Russia's future competitiveness on the global stage."
Environmental Concerns: "We acknowledge the importance of environmental protection and are taking steps to address climate change challenges."
Cultural Heritage: "Preserving our cultural heritage and promoting Russian culture worldwide remains a priority."
See more on the Kremlin’s official website.
#RussianMFA
🇳🇬Nigeria becomes 9th BRICS partner country
The Brazilian government, as the current BRICS Chair in 2025, announced the formal admission of Nigeria as a partner country of the BRICS group. As Africa’s largest country by population and one of its leading economies, Nigeria is expected to bring substantial influence to the partnership.
🤝The nation’s role in South-South cooperation aligns closely with the priorities of BRICS under Brazil’s presidency, as reported by the official website of the Brazilian government.
Nigeria joins the ranks of eight other partner countries, including Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
The partner-country category was introduced during the 16th BRICS Summit, held in Kazan in October 2024.
🇮🇩On 6 January 2025, Indonesia became a full member of the group.
🔗read in full
#RussianMFA#BRICS
🇷🇺Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson summarises results of Russia's BRICS chairmanship
💬"The year of the Russian BRICS chairmanship was an important step towards strengthening coordination in the international arena on issues of global governance and the financial system [...]. We have laid the foundation for further consolidation of the association, expanding interaction with partner states and countries of the global South and East. Practical implementation of the initiatives of the Russian Chairmanship will serve to strengthen cooperation and effectively address global challenges"
👉🏻Read in full
#RussianMFA#BRICS
Russian MFA Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova: The establishment of the BRICS+ Information and Cultural Media Centre marks step forward in developing BRICS+ humanitarian cooperation
🤝The BRICS+ Information and Cultural Media Centre was opened in Moscow on October 15, organised by the All-Russian State Library for Foreign Literature named after M. I. Rudomino and the TV BRICS International Media Network.
📚 The project aims to foster and strengthen humanitarian cooperation among BRICS+ countries and promote culture, science and education.
The opening was accompanied by the plenary session titled "Humanitarian Foundations of the BRICS+ Dialogue: The Role of Media in Strengthening Cooperation in the Fields of Culture, Science, and Education."
During the event Maria Zakharova emphasised that the creation of the Centre represents a significant step forward in developing humanitarian cooperation between BRICS+ countries: “This platform will become a vibrant hub for disseminating information”
#BRICS#RussianMFA
💭The Southern African Customs Union that operates in South African subregion is one of the oldest in the world. It was founded by South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland, Namibia joined it later.
🗺️Being thousands of kilometers away from South Africa and with the direct participation of the Russian Federation another economic mechanism was established in 2015 - the Eurasian Economic Union ( #EAEU ) that unites Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan as member states. The EAEU ensures the freedom of movement of goods, as well as services, capital and labor, and pursues a coordinated or even common economic policy in various fields.
📍The Union was established on the basis of the interaction experience accumulated by the member states within the framework of the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States), the Eurasian Economic Union, the Customs Union and the Eurasian Economic Space. Moreover, the members used the best world practices, advanced international experience, including the EU and the WTO (World Trade Organization).
📄In particular, the norms, rules and principles of the WTO were taken into account while elaborating the Treaty on the EAEU and are taken as a basis for the preparation of agreements on preferential and non-preferential trade of the Union with third countries.
🤝According to the Treaty which is the basic document of the Union its main mission is to improve the well-being of the member states citizens. To this end, Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are constantly working on forming a common market of the Union, which has to ensure the freedom of movement of goods, services, capital and labor. There are now more than
184.3 million consumers within the #EAEU. The total GDP of the member states is over 2 trillion USD.
#RussianMFA#EAEU
On January 1, 2025, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) marks its 10th anniversary since the entry into force of the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union on May 29, 2014, marking the beginning of its operations as a regional integration entity.
📊Over the past decade, the EAEU and its member states—Russia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus—have achieved significant results. The internal market has been established, the geography of international cooperation has expanded, and mutual trade among the five member countries has shown steady growth.
🤝The member states have also strengthened their mutually beneficial collaboration across a range of areas, including customs, tariff and non-tariff regulation, technical standards, industrial cooperation, transport and logistics, energy, and agriculture.
🗺️Throughout its 10 years of operation, the Union has become an important player in the global economic landscape This is reflected in the EAEU's network of international contacts, which includes free trade agreements with Vietnam, Iran, and Serbia, two non-preferential agreements with China, and over 80 memoranda of cooperation through the EAEU's supranational body, the Eurasian Economic Commission, with countries and integration associations worldwide.
❗️Ongoing efforts are focused on finalizing trade liberalization agreements with Egypt, Indonesia, and the UAE. Additionally, cooperation with observer states—Cuba and Uzbekistan—remains an important component of the Union's external relations.
#RussianMFA#EAEU
🇷🇺🤝🇿🇦Cultural Cooperation: New Horizons
The Consul General of Russia in Cape Town Ruslan Golubovskiy held a series of meetings with the leadership of the city’s key cultural institutions — the Castle of Good Hope and the Robben Island Museum.
The discussions focused on prospects for expanding humanitarian cooperation, including the organization of exhibitions, educational programmes and commemorative events. Particular attention was given to preserving historical memory and promoting cultural heritage through an open dialogue between Russia and South Africa.
As a result of the meetings, the sides agreed to foster new initiatives, opening a new chapter in the cultural dialogue between our countries. 🇷🇺🇿🇦
#RussiaSouthAfrica#russianMFA
🇷🇺🤝🇿🇦Культурное сотрудничество: новые горизонты
Генеральный консул России в Кейптауне Руслан Голубовский провёл ряд встреч с руководством ключевых культурных центров города — Замка Доброй Надежды и Музея Роббен-Айленд.
Стороны обсудили перспективы расширения гуманитарного взаимодействия: организация выставок, образовательных программ и мемориальных мероприятий. Особое внимание уделено вопросам сохранения исторической памяти и продвижения культурного наследия в формате открытого диалога между Россией и Южной Африкой.
По итогам встреч намечено дальнейшее развитие совместных инициатив, открывающих новую страницу культурного диалога между нашими странами. 🇷🇺🇿🇦
#RussiaSouthAfrica#russianMFA
A delegation of the Government of the Northern Cape Province arrived in the Republic of Karelia
On 28 August 2025, a delegation of the Government of the Northern Cape Province, which is part of the consular district of the Consulate General of Russia in Cape Town, headed by Premier Zamani Saul, arrived in the Republic of Karelia to discuss the prospects for comprehensive bilateral cooperation.
🤝As part of the visit, the signing of an interregional Memorandum of Understanding is envisaged, which will become the first official agreement of the Republic of Karelia with representatives of the African continent. The programme also includes visits to industrial enterprises of mutual interest and a cultural agenda aimed at strengthening humanitarian ties.
🌎The forthcoming signing of the Memorandum marks a new chapter in the development of Russia–Africa interregional relations, laying the groundwork for practical cooperation in the fields of economy, education and culture.
#RussiaSouthAfrica#russianMFA