Russian president discusses ties, trade with South African, Egyptian, Malaysian leaders

Kanyshai Butun

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday held separate meetings with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in New Delhi, India.

In talks with Ramaphosa, Putin said Russia-South Africa relations are developing successfully, highlighting political dialogue, parliamentary ties and cooperation in education and humanitarian affairs, according to the Kremlin.

He said bilateral trade continues to grow and noted that Russia increased its scholarship quota for South African students to 100 for the 2026-27 academic year.

Putin also said Moscow and Pretoria share similar approaches to major international and regional issues and thanked South Africa for supporting Russian initiatives at the United Nations.

He said Russia is preparing for the third Russia-Africa summit in Moscow on Oct. 28-29, with digital technologies, artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, payment systems and food security among the priorities.

Ramaphosa thanked Putin for supporting South Africa’s G20 presidency and said bilateral trade could be expanded.

He also welcomed continued cooperation and said Pretoria would send a strong delegation to the Russia-Africa summit.

In talks with el-Sisi, Putin said trade between Russia and Egypt is growing and major joint projects are progressing on schedule despite challenges.

He invited el-Sisi to Moscow in October for the Russia-Africa summit and said Egypt’s position on regional and global issues is important to Moscow.

El-Sisi said bilateral trade has surpassed $10 billion and highlighted cooperation on major projects, including the El Dabaa nuclear power plant being built by Russia’s Rosatom.

He also said Egypt relies heavily on grain imports from Russia and Ukraine, making stable supplies a key concern.

El-Sisi said Cairo hopes to work with Moscow and others to promote regional stability.

During a meeting with Ibrahim, Putin said bilateral trade with Malaysia rose 12.9% last year.

The two discussed bilateral cooperation, highlighting growing trade, energy, education, technology and tourism ties.

Putin arrived in India earlier on Friday to attend the 18th BRICS summit taking place on Saturday and Sunday.