Russia’s Lavrov visits ally South Africa amid Western rivalry

Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sergei Lavrov (left) is welcomed by South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor (right) ahead of their meeting at the OR Tambo Building in Pretoria on Jan 23, 2023. (PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP)

PRETORIA – Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was in South Africa on Monday for talks with one of its most important allies on a continent that is divided over Russia's special military operation in Ukraine and related Western attempts to isolate it.

A ministry spokesman said Lavrov had arrived in South Africa on Monday morning. He and South Africa's foreign minister, Naledi Pandor, are expected to hold a joint news conference around 1000 GMT.

President Cyril Ramaphosa's government regards South Africa as neutral in the Ukraine conflict and has expressed a desire to mediate.

South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor has repeatedly insisted that South Africa will not be dragged into taking sides, and has criticized the West for its selective condemnation of Russia while ignoring other issues such as the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory

Pandor has repeatedly insisted that South Africa will not be dragged into taking sides, and has criticized the West for its selective condemnation of Russia while ignoring other issues such as the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory.

ALSO READ: Russia's Lavrov accuses West of contributing to Ukraine crisis

Even as South Africa has proclaimed impartiality on the conflict and abstained from voting on United Nations resolutions, it has retained close relations with Russia, historically a friend of the governing African National Congress when it was a liberation movement against white minority rule.

South Africa has little trade with Russia, but it is a champion of a world view, that seeks to undo perceived US-hegemony in favor of a 'multipolar' world in which geopolitical power is more diffuse.

READ MORE: Germany postpones decision on Leopard tank delivery to Ukraine

Lavrov's second African visit in six months comes ahead of the Russia-Africa summit, which has been postponed to July 2023 from last year due to the Ukraine conflict.