Russian Consulate in Cape Town

⚡️ Last call for applications!⚡️ Great opportunities shouldn’t be missed because of a deadline, so the organizers are extending applications for #BRICS MediaLab 2.0! From March 29 to April 2, theGorchakov Fund, together with the HSE University Nizhny Novgorod campus and the Georgy Grechko Planetarium, will host an educational programme for students, young journalists and bloggers from BRICS+ countries. 🚀Theme: “Beyond Politics: From Dialogue About the Stars to the Media of the Future.” In the year marking the 65th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s spaceflight, the participants will explore outer space as a platform for global dialogue and learn how to translate this conversation into the language of new media. What’s in store? ⭐️ Meetings with science communicators, media experts and international communications practitioners ⭐️ Visit to the Nizhny Novgorod Planetarium ⭐️ Teamwork and the creation of your own media project 📍New deadline: March 8, 23:59 (Moscow time) Apply NOW

⚡️ Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’sstatement and answers to questions at the Government Hour hearings during a plenary session of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation (February 11, 2026): Key takeaways: • The world is undergoing a long-term transition to a multipolar order, marked by growing competition between the Western minority and the World Majority. • Western countries continue to pursue neo-colonial policies, double standards, and attempts to preserve dominance, including through pressure, destabilisation, and military actions. • Russia views current global upheavals as part of a profound and lasting shift in international relations, not a temporary phase. • Strategic stability is deteriorating due to Western actions, while Russia maintains responsible conduct and observes arms control limits as long as the US does the same. • The Arctic should remain a zone of peace and cooperation; Russia will respond if military threats against it emerge there. • Russia rejects Western double standards on self-determination, defending the choices of #Crimea, #Donbass, and #Novorossiya. ❗️A sustainable settlement in Ukraine is impossible without addressing root causes; understandings reached with the US in 2025 remain valid. • Russia continues negotiations to ensure its security, protect Russian-speaking populations, and eliminate threats from the Kiev regime and its external sponsors. • The comprehensive strategic partnership with #China is a stabilising factor in global affairs and a cornerstone of regional security. • Strategic partnerships with #Belarus, the #DPRK, #Iran, the #CIS and the #CSTO members strengthen regional stability and Russia’s security. • Russia is deepening ties across #Eurasia, including with India, Türkiye, the Arab world, Southeast Asia, and regional organisations such as the #EAEU, #SCO, and #ASEAN. • The #Russia-#Africa partnership is expanding, with preparations underway for the Third Russia-Africa Summit. • #BRICS is emerging as a key platform for the World Majority, promoting cooperation free from sanctions and Western restrictions. • Russia supports #GlobalSouth efforts against modern forms of colonialism and unilateral coercive measures, including through new UN international days. READ IN FULL

🇷🇺🇿🇦📞 On 10 February 2026, President Vladimir Putinspoke over the phone with President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa. Two leaders discussed further development of mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, economic, and investment areas within the framework of the Russia-South Africa Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The situation in Ukraine was also addressed. President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed support for Russia’s efforts aimed at a political and diplomatic resolution of the conflict. In exchanging views on the current international agenda, both sides noted the importance of continued coordination between Russia and South Africa, including within the #G20 and #BRICS. #RussiaSouthAfrica

📺 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’sgreetings and video message on Diplomats’ Day (February 10, 2026) 💬 Friends, Today marks Diplomats’ Day, our professional holiday. I would like to use this occasion to wish a happy holiday to all Russian diplomats who are working at the Central Office and territorial offices, and diplomats fulfilling their duty abroad. The history of Russian diplomacy spans many centuries and follows every stage of Russia becoming stronger as a state. Times change, but our spiritual and moral values — sincere, dedicated, and selfless devotion to the Fatherland, and firm commitment to the ideals of truth and justice — remain unshakeable. We are rightfully proud of the achievements of our outstanding predecessors. We honour the courage of the staff of the People’s Commissariat for Foreign Affairs who, during the tumultuous years of the Great Patriotic War, took arms to defend the Motherland. Their immortal feat stands as a benchmark for Foreign Ministry personnel and staff of subordinate institutions participating in the special military operation. Other ministerial staff members are also involved and are helping the front line soldiers and their families, and supporting those affected by crimes committed by Ukrainian neo-Nazis. Today, as we are witnessing another turning point in history, Russian diplomacy continues to do everything within its power to ensure safe and favourable external conditions for Russia’s steady domestic development and for improving the quality of life of its people. In many ways, our consistent and balanced foreign policy course sets the trajectory of global transformations, thus facilitating the emergence of a new multipolar world order. We seek to further develop honest and equitable international cooperation based on mutual understanding, trust, and neighbourliness. Following President Putin’s initiative, we are working to establish, across the Eurasian region, architecture of equal and indivisible security and extensive practical cooperation. In this context, we attach particular importance to the conclusion and implementation of bilateral agreements, including our treaties on security guarantees with Belarus and on comprehensive strategic partnership with the DPRK and Iran. We continue to expand relations across multiple areas with the World Majority, among them countries such as China, India, and other like-minded countries, our strategic partners and allies, primarily within the #CSTO, the #EAEU, and the #CIS, as well as the #SCO and #BRICS. Countering neo-colonial practices of all kinds ranging from unilateral coercive measures to military interventions remains firmly in our focus. In this context, we reaffirm our solidarity with the peoples of Venezuela and Cuba. We are convinced that only they can determine their own future. ☝️ The country’s leadership and Russian society hold our work to high standards. We are required to demonstrate discipline and dedication, as well as a passionate and creative approach to our duties. I trust that you will continue to work honourably for the good of the Fatherland and to contribute your share to addressing large-scale foreign policy goals set by the President. On this day, we express special gratitude to former ministerial employees, who taught us the fundamentals of diplomacy by their example. Many of them, to the extent of their abilities, remain active in the close-knit diplomatic ranks. By all means, I would like to separately thank all the relatives and loved ones of our employees. Your unconditional support gives us strength and keeps us focused. It is especially important for those who carry out their diplomatic service far from the Motherland. Once again, happy Diplomats’ Day to all. I wish you excellent health, well-being, and new accomplishments for the benefit of the Fatherland. #DiplomatsDay

🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's interview to the TV BRICS international media network (Moscow, February 9, 2026) Read in full Key talking points • The global arena is undergoing a transformation that began some time ago with the objective transition toward a multipolar world order. This is neither the bipolarity of the Soviet-American era with the Warsaw Pact and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, nor the unipolarity that emerged after the Soviet Union’s collapse. <...> Multiple centres of rapid economic growth, power, and financial and political influence have thus emerged. • It is equally important that we develop action plans tailored for each partner country covering trade and economic cooperation, investment, scientific collaboration, and coordinated activity on the international stage, including at the United Nations and other organisations, based on agreements reached between presidents and prime ministers. Particular attention is devoted to #CIS, #EAEU, #CSTO, and the post-Soviet space at large. This day-to-day work relies on long-term planning and delivers tangible mutual benefits to both Russia and its partners. • Multiple centres of rapid economic growth, power, and financial and political influence have thus emerged. The world is being reshaped through competition. The West is reluctant to relinquish its formerly dominant positions. • Safeguarding security demands sustained action to ensure that the Nazi state established on our borders in Ukraine – and supported by the West as a vehicle for renewed confrontation – cannot continue to exist in its present form. Nazi foundations must be eliminated. We will ensure, and I have no doubt about it, our own security interests, by preventing the deployment on Ukrainian territory of any weapons threatening us, and, second, by guaranteeing reliable and full protection for the rights of Russian and Russian-speaking people, who have been living in Crimea, Donbass and Novorossiya for centuries, and whom the Kiev regime that came to power after a coup declared subhuman “species” and “terrorists” and unleashed a civil war against. • Russia chaired#BRICS in 2024. At that time, a summit was held in Kazan, and a number of our initiatives were put into action: alternative payment platforms, payment mechanisms in national currencies, the creation of reinsurance opportunities for trade within BRICS and between the association and its partners, the creation of a grain exchange, and a new investment platform. All this is not to spite anyone, especially the United States. This is due to the fact that the United States seeks to bring all processes in the areas I mentioned under its strict control and demands unilateral concessions. Without giving up contacts with them, to the extent that they are willing to engage on a mutually beneficial basis, we are interested, together with our BRICS partners, in creating an architecture that will not be subject to the illegal actions of one or another player from the Western flank. • The Greater Eurasian Partnership was bound to appear on the agenda. Many years ago, at the 2015 Russia – #ASEAN Summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested this term which is based on an objective trend of Eurasia becoming the biggest, richest and fastest-growing continent, especially its Pacific part. It is the most heavily-populated continent which, importantly, has seen several great civilisations emerge and continue to exist – the Chinese, Indian, Arab, Persian and Russian civilisations. ☝️ It is for a reason that our initiative on building a common Eurasian security architecture, set forward by President Putin in 2024, is gaining momentum. It is increasingly attracting interest.

📚🇧🇷🇷🇺🇮🇳🇨🇳🇿🇦 Academic Seminar within the IX BRICS Competition Conference On 12 September 2025, the Faculty of Law at the University of Cape Town hosted the seminar “Emerging Challenges of Competition Law and Policy in the BRICS and Beyond”, organized with the support of the BRICS International Centre for Competition Law and Policy. The seminar was attended by scholars and representatives of competition authorities from BRICS countries. Discussions addressed current issues of competition law — from the development of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to the regulation of the global grain trade. The BRICS International Centre for Competition Law and Policy at HSE University presented its paper “From Farm to Futures”, prepared jointly with BRICS regulators within the Working Group on Food Markets. The paper proposed approaches aimed at strengthening food security and improving coordination among regulatory authorities. The event reaffirmed Cape Town’s role as a venue for substantive expert dialogue and cooperation in the field of competition law. #BRICS#BRICS2025#CompetitionLaw#CapeTown#russianMFA#HSEUniversity#BRICSCompetitionCentre

📚🇧🇷🇷🇺🇮🇳🇨🇳🇿🇦 Академический семинар в рамках IX Конференции БРИКС по конкуренции 12 сентября 2025 года на юридическом факультете Университета Кейптауна состоялся семинар «Новые вызовы в области конкурентного права и политики в странах БРИКС и за их пределами», организованный при содействии Международного центра конкурентного права и политики БРИКС. В мероприятии приняли участие учёные и представители антимонопольных органов стран БРИКС. В ходе обсуждений рассматривались актуальные вопросы конкурентного права — от развития Африканской континентальной зоны свободной торговли (AfCFTA) до регулирования мировой торговли зерном. Международный центр конкурентного права и политики БРИКС НИУ ВШЭ представил доклад «От фермы к фьючерсам», подготовленный совместно с регуляторами стран объединения в рамках Рабочей группы БРИКС по продовольственным рынкам. В документе предложены подходы, направленные на укрепление продовольственной безопасности и повышение координации деятельности регулирующих органов. #BRICS#BRICS2025#CompetitionLaw#CapeTown#russianMFA#HSEUniversity#BRICSCompetitionCentre

🎬🇷🇺 The screening of the film “The Wizard of the Emerald City” took place within the historic walls of the Castle of Good Hope. The event was organized by the Consulate General of Russia in Cape Town as part of the annual “Movie Night” initiative, held with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and Roskino. 📖 The film, based on the novel by Alexander Volkov and long recognized as a classic of Russian children’s and family literature, introduced the audience to the atmosphere of a timeless fairy tale. The journey of Ellie and her companions has become a symbol of friendship, courage and fidelity to one’s dream, remaining close and comprehensible to viewers of all generations. In his welcoming remarks, Consul General of Russia in Cape Town Mr. R. Golubovskiy emphasized the century-long tradition of Russian cinematography and its significant contribution to the development of global film art: “Since the early decades of the 20th century, cinema has become an integral part of Russia’s cultural identity. Among the most renowned directors who left a lasting mark on world cinema, one can mention Sergei Eisenstein, whose films ‘Battleship Potemkin’ and ‘Alexander Nevsky’ had a profound impact on the evolution of film language, Sergei Bondarchuk, awarded the Oscar for his adaptation of ‘War and Peace’, and Andrei Tarkovsky, whose works became a true revelation for world cinematography.” 💭 The film was warmly received by the audience. Following the screening, a lively discussion took place on the role of cinema in preserving cultural heritage and strengthening humanitarian ties between nations. 🤝 The Consulate General of Russia in Cape Town expresses its sincere appreciation to all guests and to the management of the Castle of Good Hope for their support in hosting the “Movie Night” initiative. #RussiaSouthAfrica#MovieNight#Roskino#BRICS#russianconsulate#CapeTown

🎙 Russia's President Vladimir Putin's interview to the Chinese news agency Xinhua ahead of his official visit to the People’s Republic of China (August 30, 2025) Key points: • The visit of our friend, President of China Xi Jinping, to Russia in May was a resounding success, drew wide international attention and was highly regarded in our country. His arrival coincided with a date that is sacred to us, the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. • The Chinese Leader was the principal guest of honour at the celebrations in Moscow. During our high-level talks, we held a very productive discussion of key issues in cooperation between our nations. The outcome was a comprehensive joint statement and the signing of a substantial package of bilateral documents. • The peoples of the Soviet Union and China bore the brunt of the fighting and suffered the heaviest losses. <...> Before the full-scale outbreak of the Second World War, in the 1930s, when Japan treacherously launched a war of aggression against China, the Soviet Union extended a helping hand to the Chinese people. • We see that in certain Western states the results of the Second World War are de facto revised, and the verdicts of the Nuremberg and Tokyo tribunals are openly disregarded. <...> Russia and China resolutely condemn any attempts to distort the history of the Second World War, glorify Nazis, militarists and their accomplices, members of death squads and killers, or to defame Soviet liberators. • At the invitation of President Xi, I will pay a return visit to China. I greatly look forward to visiting the city of Tianjin, which will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit under China's presidency. • The #SCO's appeal lies in its simple but powerful principles: a firm commitment to its founding philosophy, openness to equal cooperation, non-confrontation with third parties, and respect for the national characteristics and uniqueness of each nation. • I look forward to in-depth discussions with President Xi Jinping on all aspects of our bilateral agenda, including political and security cooperation, as well as economic, cultural and humanitarian ties. • The Russia-China strategic partnership acts as a stabilising force. As the two leading powers in Eurasia, we cannot remain indifferent to the challenges and threats facing our continent and the wider world. • Russia and China support reform of the UN so that it fully restores its authority and reflects modern realities. In particular, we advocate for making the Security Council more democratic by including states from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Any such reforms must, however, be approached with the utmost care. • Close cooperation between Moscow and Beijing has positively shaped the work of leading economic forums, including the #G20 and #APEC. We are working closely with China within #BRICS to expand its role as a key pillar of global architecture. Alongside our Chinese partners, we support the reform of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. • Economic relations between Russia and China have reached an unprecedented level. Since 2021, bilateral trade has grown by about 100 billion dollars. <...> While trade figures are denominated in US dollar equivalents, transactions between Russia and China are carried out in rubles and yuan. • Large-scale bilateral cultural and humanitarian initiatives make a significant contribution to fostering friendly relations. Education and science remain especially promising areas for cooperation. Academic mobility and inter-university contacts continue to grow. Today, more than 51'000 Chinese students are studying in Russia, while 21'000 Russian students are studying in China. Tourism is another important sphere I would like to note. The figures here are encouraging: by the end of 2024, mutual tourist flows had increased 2.5 times, reaching 2.8 million people. Read in full #RussiaChina

✔️🇷🇺🇿🇦 A Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Petrozavodsk between the Republic of Karelia and the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. Premier of the Northern Cape Zamani Saul arrived in Karelia on an official visit. During his meeting with the First Deputy Head of the Republic of Karelia – Prime Minister of the Government of Karelia Andrey Sergeev, the parties discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest. They noted significant potential for strengthening trade and economic ties, as well as cooperation in industry, innovation, tourism and culture. 🤝 The main outcome of the talks was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, which defined the key directions of interregional partnership. “We see great potential for cooperation, particularly in such areas as the forest industry, mechanical engineering and tourism. The Northern Cape has unique expertise in stone processing, diamond mining and possesses rich natural resources and tourism potential. We are confident that our cooperation will be mutually beneficial,” emphasized O.A. Ermolaev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of Karelia for Economic Affairs. 📌 The programme of the visit also includes familiarization with Karelia’s economic and cultural potential. The delegation will visit leading industrial enterprises of the region, including Kondopoga Pulp and Paper Mill, the Firefighting Robotics Engineering Center “EFER”, and MB Barbell. #RussiaSouthAfrica#BRICS#Karelia#NorthernCape#russianMFA

✔️🇷🇺🇿🇦 В Петрозаводске состоялось подписание Меморандума о взаимопонимании между Республикой Карелия и провинцией Северный Кейп. С официальным визитом в Карелию прибыл Премьер-министр провинции Северный Кейп Замани Саул. В ходе встречи с Первым заместителем Главы Республики Карелия – Премьер-министром Правительства Республики Карелия А.С. Сергеевым стороны обсудили широкий круг вопросов, представляющих взаимный интерес. Был отмечен значительный потенциал для развития торгово-экономических связей, а также сотрудничества в сферах промышленности, инноваций, туризма и культуры. 🤝 Результатом переговоров стало подписание Меморандума о взаимопонимании, определившего ключевые направления межрегионального партнерства. «Мы видим большой потенциал для взаимодействия, особенно в таких отраслях, как лесопромышленный комплекс, машиностроение и туризм. Провинция Северный Кейп обладает уникальным опытом в переработке камня, алмазодобыче и природными ресурсами, туристическим потенциалом. Мы уверены, что наше сотрудничество будет взаимовыгодным», — отметил заместитель Премьер-министра Правительства РК О.А. Ермолаев. 📌 Программа визита также включает знакомство с экономическим и культурным потенциалом региона: делегация посетит ведущие промышленные предприятия, включая АО «Кондопожский ЦБК», «ЭФЭР», МБ Барбелл. #RussiaSouthAfrica#BRICS#Karelia#NorthernCape#russianMFA#russianconsulate#CapeTown

🇷🇺🤝🇿🇦Moscow and Tshwane strengthen inter-parliamentary dialogue within #BRICS framework On August 20, 2025, a video conference took place between the Chairman of the #Moscow City Duma, Alexey Shaposhnikov, and the Speaker of the Tshwane City Council (South Africa), Mncedi Ndzwanana. Russian Ambassador to South Africa Roman Ambarov also participated in the meeting. The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and exploring the integration of South African representatives into the BRICS Capitals Parliamentary Movement. 💬 Chairman Alexey Shaposhnikov emphasized that Russia and South Africa share similar perspectives on key global challenges. “Russia and South Africa share common views on major global challenges. The Moscow City Duma is advancing the BRICS Capitals Parliamentary Movement – an initiative aimed at fostering direct ties between legislators of friendly countries at the capital and megacity level, complementing traditional diplomacy with new channels of communication. We are inviting the Tshwane City Council to join this initiative: 11 legislative bodies from other BRICS capitals have already expressed their readiness to participate and sign a joint statement.” Alexey Shaposhnikov also extended an invitation to the Tshwane delegation to attend the BRICS International Municipal Forum, scheduled to take place in St. Petersburg in October 2025. As part of the forum, the Moscow City Duma plans to organize a special session on the role of parliamentary diplomacy in creating a favorable investment climate and responding to global economic challenges. 💬 Speaker Mncedi Ndzwanana emphasized the value of participating in the BRICS forum and the Parliamentary Movement [retranslated]: “It is a great honour to be invited to this briefing on the upcoming BRICS International Municipal Forum in St. Petersburg and the Parliamentary Movement of BRICS Capitals, spearheaded by the Moscow City Duma. Participating in the forum would allow us to broaden our international cooperation and build mutually beneficial partnerships through the BRICS Capitals platform – for the benefit of our residents. Tshwane is ready to develop in this direction, with the aim of improving quality of life and enhancing municipal services, especially in the areas of housing and public utilities.” ❗️Ambassador Roman #Ambarovwelcomed the initiative and commended the efforts of all parties to engage in direct dialogue. He stressed that interregional cooperation has long been a priority for both the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy in South Africa. Such ties, he said, create valuable opportunities for collaboration in trade, investment, and humanitarian fields. #RussiaSouthAfrica#RussiaAfrica