Russian Consulate in Cape Town

🎙️Interview by the Director of the Department of Economic Cooperation of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, D.A. Birichevsky, to Russia Today Question: The #G20 remains one of the key platforms for Russian economic diplomacy. Are the results of the #G20’s work in 2024 positive for Russia? What are the priorities for our work in this forum moving forward? Answer: The past year has been highly productive for the #G20. As a result of Brazil’s presidency, the forum has solidified its position as the leading platform for equal dialogue between the key economies of the Global South and North on global economic issues. The final declaration of the summit in Rio de Janeiro (November 18-19) provided sound assessments of the processes affecting economic growth rates, focusing on overcoming inequality and addressing the challenges faced by developing countries in ensuring their energy and food security. 🇷🇺For Russia, it is important that the agreements reached by the leaders reflect key principles for us, including the use of all available effective technologies (technologically neutral approaches) in the context of low-carbon development and the enhancement of the voice and representation of developing countries in multilateral financial institutions. Among the strongest supporters of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, initiated by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, were 82 countries, 24 international organizations, 9 financial institutions, and more than 30 non-governmental organizations. Russia also contributed its experience and best practices in implementing school meal programs and supporting small farming enterprises. 🇿🇦We are prepared for productive work this year with another BRICS partner, South Africa. From December 9-11, Johannesburg hosted the first #G20 Sherpas meeting under South Africa’s incoming presidency. We supported the priorities for the #G20 in 2025 as outlined by our partners. The focus on building disaster resilience, addressing debt sustainability, ensuring fair energy transitions, and securing critical raw materials will guide our ministries within the #G20’s 15 Sherpa working groups and 8 groups under the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Russia. ✊Russia fully shares South Africa’s desire to enhance the forum’s agenda by focusing on social justice and consolidating the Global Majority’s efforts to promote shared interests. We aim to actively participate in the proposed target groups on inclusive economic growth, food security, and artificial intelligence. On our part, we will continue to work towards aligning approaches to ensure stable growth, restore the proper functioning of agricultural markets, and eliminate unilateral illegitimate barriers in the trade of food and fertilizers. 🏁As the South African presidency concludes the series of rotations of developing countries (previously Indonesia, India, Brazil) and marks the end of the first round of rotational presidencies for all #G20 members, Russia is determined to contribute to the review of the forum’s work, solidifying the achievements of the Global South and laying a strong foundation for the future. #RussianMFA#G20#RussiaSouthAfrica

💭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

The Group of Twenty under South Africa's presidency is starting an intensive work process An ambitious schedule of ministerial meetings has been set focusing on the following areas: 🟢 Development (July 24-25, Kruger National Park) 🟢 Employment (July 25-26, Gqeberha) 🟢 Tourism (September 12, Mpumalanga) 🟢 Agriculture (September 18, Free State) 🟢 Research and Innovation (September 23, Maropeng) 🟢 Digital Economy (September 25-26, Cape Town) 🟢 Energy Transitions (September 26, Sun City) 🟢 Climate and Environmental Protection (October 9, Kirstenbosch) 🟢 Trade and Investment (October 10, Gqeberha) 🟢 Disaster Risk Reduction (October 13, Polokwane) 🟢 Women’s Empowerment (October 24, Sandton) 🟢 Culture (October 29, KwaZulu-Natal) 🟢 Anti-Corruption (October 30, Kruger National Park) 🟢 Education (November 4, Mbombela) 🟢 Healthcare (November 6, Polokwane) 🟢 Healthcare Financing (November 7, videoconference) Efforts will be coordinated through four consultations and regular interaction among Sherpas, who will define strategic approaches to this comprehensive agenda. In a similar conference format Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors will address matters concerning the stable functioning of international relations. The political dialogue will begin with a meeting of Foreign Ministers on February 20-21 in Johannesburg, continuing during the high-level week of the UN General Assembly in September. The #G20 Summit of Heads of State and Government in Johannesburg on November 22-23 will serve as the grand conclusion of the forum's activities in 2025. #G20#RussiaSouthAfrica#RussianMFA

🇿🇦The African National Congress (ANC) is celebrating 113 years of its existence this weekend, a momentous milestone for the party and its long-standing commitment to the liberation and development of South Africa. The celebrations will culminate in the main January 8 Statement Rally, which will take place on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Mandela Park Stadium in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. 📍The 2,000-seater stadium is expected to host more than 20,000 ANC supporters from across the city. 🇷🇺🤝🇿🇦The Ambassador of the Russian Federation to South Africa H.E. Roman Ambarov will attend the memorable event. 🔗Watch live #RussianMFA#RussiaSouthAfrica

🇷🇺Russia’s Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large for the G20, APEC and BEP issues Marat Berdyev: Russia’s participation in key multilateral forums such as the #G20 and #APEC contributes to the accelerated formation of a multipolar world order and economic system. 📈In terms of aggregate GDP, the BRICS members have already surpassed the G7, with their share standing at 37%, compared to less than 30% for the G7. According to some expert estimates, the countries of the Global Majority will drive up to 75% of global economic growth over the next few decades. Russia plays a significant role in this positive trend of fair optimization of production potentials. 🤝We continue to actively develop international economic cooperation, focusing on friendly regions. According to the Federal Customs Service (FCS), Russia's external trade volume in 2024 is expected to reach $700 billion. Approximately 70% of export-import operations already involve the Asia-Pacific Region (#APR). 🌍Trade with Africa has been expanding, reaching a peak of $25 billion in 2023. The Russian economy grew by about 4% in 2024, demonstrating resilient performance. This growth occurred against the backdrop of more modest global averages, limited to 3.1%, and stagnation in many European countries. 🌾Russian companies are playing an increasingly significant role not only in supplying critical energy and food resources but also in high-tech sectors and manufacturing industries. We are intensifying transactions in national currencies, particularly the Russian ruble, which accounts for 80-90% of trade with key partners such as China and the EAEU. Under the initiative of President Vladimir Putin, the Big Eurasian Partnership (#BEP) is building a transit framework centered on Russian territory. Transit capacity is expanding, and the utilization of the "West-East" and "North-South" transport corridors is increasing, along with the operation of the Northern Sea Route (#NSR). 🚢In the past year, the NSR handled a record volume of over 37 million tons of commercial cargo. At the #G20 and #APEC significant momentum has been given to the reform of global economic institutions in the interests of the Global South/East. 📈Constructive approaches have been adopted, aiming to preserve an open trade and investment environment, form energy balances on a technologically neutral basis, and support digital transformation. ❗️We will continue to move forward with partners in this promising direction at multilateral economic diplomacy platforms. Photo: www.rosstip.ru #G20#APEC#RussianMFA

❄️New Year’s Moscow: An Atmosphere of Celebration and Unity 🎄On the eve of the New Year, Moscow transforms into a symbol of winter festivities and togetherness. The city’s central streets adorned with dazzling lights, shimmering garlands, and majestic snow-covered Christmas trees create an unparalleled atmosphere of holiday magic. 🤍Moscow welcomes guests from around the world to experience its festive splendor and become part of the spirit of goodwill and unity that defines New Year celebrations in Russia. 🇷🇺#Moscow#Russia#NewYear#RussianMFA

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

🌎Members of APEC are showing interest in strengthening cooperation with BRICS, a leading multilateral platform in the emerging polycentric world. 🇹🇭Thailand has decided to become a partner of BRICS, responding to the invitation extended by Russia, which is holding the presidency of the group in 2024. 🤝#RussianMFA#BRICS2024

🇷🇺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

📽️On December 23, 2024, the Consulate General of Russia in Cape Town organized a memorable event for the local community, featuring a special screening of the film "Russia’s History in Space,"directed by Andrei Lobanov. 🌌The event, held at the IZIKO Planetarium, was attended by an enthusiastic group of children from the Russian community, along with young participants from Gugulethu Township, the Kraaifontein Roar and Treatment Centre, and Christ Alive Ministries. 📝The screening of the film, which highlights the rich history of Russia's contributions to space exploration, was followed by an engaging and educational quiz prepared by the staff of the Nizhny Novgorod Planetarium. The quiz, covering topics such as the first Russian cosmonauts, space satellites, and the animals that courageously traveled into space, provided the children with an exciting opportunity to deepen their knowledge and better appreciate Russia’s monumental achievements in space exploration. 🪐This event, filled with wonder and excitement,offered the young audience a chance to immerse themselves in the vastness of the cosmos and the extraordinary accomplishments of humanity in the realm of space exploration. 🧑‍🚀Following the film and quiz, the children were invited to visit the "Universe of BRICS" exhibition, a generous gift from Russian cosmonauts to the Cape Town Planetarium. The exhibition, which showcases the beauty and mystery of the universe, offered a unique opportunity for the children to learn more about space through captivating visuals and informative displays. 🚀They also took photos with the iconic image of Yuri Gagarin displayed at the entrance of the planetarium. This moment of joy and pride allowed the young participants to connect with the legacy of the first human to journey into space and feel a sense of shared history with the great explorers of the cosmos. 🇷🇺🇿🇦The event was not only an educational experience but also a celebration of the strong cultural ties between Russia and South Africa. It provided a unique opportunity for children from various backgrounds to come together, share in the excitement of space exploration and create lasting memories. 🤝The Consulate General of Russia in Cape Town remains committed to promoting cultural and educational exchanges through initiatives like this one, bringing joy and inspiration to the local community while celebrating Russia's rich history and its significant contributions to global space exploration. #RussiaSouthAfrica#RussianMFA

🎁В преддверии Нового года воспитанники Детского социального центра администрации города Донецка получили особый подарок — современную интерактивную доску для обучения. 🇿🇦🇷🇺 Средства на её приобретение были собраны в ходе благотворительной ярмарки, организованной в начале декабря активом Координационного совета организаций российских соотечественников (КСОРС) в Кейптауне при активной поддержке сотрудников Генерального консульства. Особую роль в реализации инициативы сыграла заместитель председателя КСОРС Нина Анатольевна Зеленская. ✨ Интерактивная доска станет важным инструментом для детей, открывая перед ними новые возможности для увлекательного и эффективного обучения. #RussianMFA#RussiaHelps#RussiaSouthAfrica

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