By: Natasha Archary

President Cyril Ramaphosa will be heading to St. Petersburg for the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit on 27 and 28 July.
This comes a week after Ramaphosa confirmed that Russian President, Vladimir Putin will not attend the 15th BRICS Summit to be held in South Africa in August.
Putin who has a warrant of arrest against him from the International Criminal Court (ICC) over war crimes will instead be joining the BRICS summit virtually.
The decision for Putin not to step foot on South African was reportedly a mutual one, but it seems there is no hard feelings from Russia’s side, as Ramaphosa is expected to foster the mutually beneficial cooperation and partnership between Russia and Africa even further at the summit.
In a statement by Presidency, Ramaphosa will be attending a series of scheduled events which will include an exhibition to showcase investment opportunities in Russia and Africa.
According to Presidency, these submissions will focus on strengthening cooperation between Russia and Africa, an innovation space to demonstrate new technologies, and a Business Development and Social Partnership Zone for networking between the heads of global corporations, government officials, business and media.
“The 2nd Russia-Africa summit is expected to consider four declarations and a 3-year Action Plan, which will be presented for consideration.
These submissions will focus on strengthening cooperation between Russia and African states in politics, security, trade, science, IT, humanitarian support, education, culture, sports, youth and the environment.
The declarations also seek to strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism, the prevention of an arms race in space, and in information security.”
South Africa will use the summit backdrop to further engage Russia at a bilateral level to finalise the contents and substance of the upcoming BRICS summit.
President Ramaphosa will lead the South African delegation to the Summit, and will be accompanied by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; and Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister in The Presidency.
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