Sergey Lavrov on South Africa

Sergey Lavrov views South Africa as a crucial partner, demonstrated by high-level diplomatic engagements and mutual support within international forums like BRICS. He has publicly appreciated South Africa's position regarding the conflict in Ukraine, which he characterizes as neutral, while simultaneously blaming the West and Ukraine for the conflict's continuation. During discussions, he and his counterparts have focused on advancing bilateral cooperation, including expanding mutually beneficial trade and enhancing political dialogue, often framed within the broader context of establishing a multipolar global order against perceived Western dominance.

His diplomatic activity, including ministerial visits and telephone conversations, often stresses strengthening coordination on international platforms and preparing mechanisms to circumvent Western sanctions, such as shifting to national currency settlements within BRICS. This cooperation is seen as part of a wider strategy to amplify the voices of developing nations, contrasting with what he describes as the West's patronizing or colonial paradigm in its dealings with Africa. The shared commitment to reforming global economic institutions away from dollar dominance reinforces the close nature of the relationship between Moscow and Pretoria.