Putin and Ramaphosa Discuss BRICS Summit in Phone Call

Aug. 9, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)—The Kremlin reported today that Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone on Aug. 8 with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa about “a number of issues of practical cooperation,” including the upcoming BRICS summit in South Africa.

The short Kremlin readout noted that there has been frequent communication recently between the two leaders: They spoke at the July 27-28 Russia-Africa Forum in St. Petersburg, they then had a bilateral meeting on July 29, and now a phone conversation on Aug. 8. “The President of South Africa gave a positive assessment of the results of the recent Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg, which are bound to further promote cooperation between Russia and African nations,” the Kremlin readout stated, noting also that the two leaders discussed “a number of issues of practical cooperation.... Mutual inclination was expressed for further constructive interaction on the current international agenda, including preparations for the upcoming BRICS summit” on Aug. 22-24, the Kremlin said.

According to RT, Putin also “confirmed to Ramaphosa that he would not attend the summit in person because his presence was needed in Russia. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will represent Moscow in person, while Putin will tune in via video link.”