South Africa: Ramaphosa's pro-Russia remarks raise tensions
Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – President Cyril Ramaphosa’s bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday has sparked tensions in his own Cabinet after he labelled Russia “a valuable ally and friend” that had supported South Africa since apartheid.
Ramaphosa held talks with Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit which is underway in Kazan, Russia. The comments angered his Agriculture minister John Steenhuisen.
Steenhuisen on Wednesday cited the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, where Putin has been accused of war crimes, as one of the reasons Pretoria could not be aligned to Russia.
“Our government simply cannot afford to make statements that could jeopardize international relations and trade opportunities, which are crucial for realizing our key objectives of growth and job creation," Steenhuisen said, citing that the financial market sentiment had turned hugely in SA’s favour since the GNU’s formation in June, referring to the Government of National Unity.
Steenhuisen’s Democratic Alliance is the second largest party in the GNU.
However, Ramphosa’s office hit back, saying the DA cannot impose its positions on the President under the guise of the GNU.
“This statement is an attempt to micromanage the President, which will not be allowed regardless of the importance and the respect the president attaches to the GNU.
“He will not be micromanaged by the DA or any party for that matter in the exercise and management of foreign policy,” Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said.
The summit is being held under the theme: “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security”.
Ramaphosa will deliver the second country statement on Thursday during the BRICS Summit Outreach/ BRICS Plus session held under the theme ‘BRICS and Global South: building a better world together’.
The aim of the dialogue is to enhance BRICS ties with leading developing economies. BRICS plays an important role in a multipolar world, championing multilateralism, mutually beneficial cooperation and sustainable development.
The Leaders of Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Russia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates will meet for the first time since new members were invited to join BRICS during the Johannesburg II BRICS Summit in August 2023.
-0- PANA CU/RA 23Oct2024
