Telephone conversation with President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa

The President of South Africa expressed his deep condolences and feelings of solidarity over the terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall. He wished resilience to the families and friends of the victims and a speedy recovery to the injured.

The leaders expressed satisfaction with the current level of strategic partnership between their countries and discussed issues of practical trade, economic, energy and humanitarian cooperation.

Speaking in the context of the BRICS Chairmanship, which South Africa has taken over from Russia, they discussed interaction within the group in its new expanded format.

In light of the peace initiative advanced by African states to resolve the Ukraine crisis, Cyril Ramaphosa briefed Vladimir Putin on South Africa's intention to continue working in this area with due regard for Russia's legitimate interests. Vladimir Putin, in turn, outlined Russia's position of principle on developments around Ukraine, noting that Russia had always been open to a serious and substantive discussion of a political and diplomatic settlement of the conflict.