President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the XVI BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia.

READ: Ramaphosa to meet Putin ahead of BRICS Summit in Russia

This gathering takes place against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Russia and the Western world, particularly due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has led many Western nations to label Russia a pariah state.

In his remarks, President Ramaphosa emphasized South Africa’s historical ties with Russia, highlighting its support during the Apartheid struggle.

“We continue to see Russia as a valued ally, as a valued friend who supported us right from the beginning,” he said, underlining the importance of their relationship amidst current geopolitical complexities.

Since the last BRICS Summit in South Africa, Ramaphosa noted that his country has formed a Government of National Unity following recent elections. He expressed enthusiasm for discussing the evolution of South Africa’s political landscape with his Russian counterparts.

The South African delegation, which includes key ministers from various sectors, conveyed their readiness to engage in significant discussions during the summit. Ramaphosa congratulated Putin on his presidency of BRICS, underscoring the importance of cooperation among member states.

“We do look forward…to the Summit itself, to participate with all other countries under your leadership,” he added, indicating a commitment to addressing pressing global issues such as trade, climate change, and security.

The expanded BRICS now represents a significant portion of the world, covering 43% of the global population and 35% of the world’s GDP. This coalition aims to foster mutually beneficial cooperation, which is crucial for countries like South Africa seeking sustainable growth amid global challenges.

However, while Ramaphosa’s meeting with Putin highlights the solidarity within BRICS, it also underscores the stark divide between the bloc and the Western nations, many of whom have imposed sanctions on Russia in response to its actions in Ukraine.

This geopolitical rift poses challenges for South Africa and other BRICS members, as they navigate their relationships with both Russia and Western powers in an increasingly polarized world.