Zuma happy with fruitful talks in Russia

PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma yesterday expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of his visit to Russia.

Addressing the media in Moscow at the conclusion of official talks between the two delegations, he said he was satisfied and pleased with the cordial and fruitful manner in which the talks had been conducted.

Zuma's delegation comprised 11 ministers and a business delegation of more than 100 people.

The business delegation represented sectors such as agro-processing, aviation, banking, defence and aerospace, energy, engineering, information and communications technology, infrastructure, logistics, medical and health services and tourism.

Zuma said the size of the government and business delegation emphasised South Africa's commitment to consolidate and further deepen bilateral relations with Russia. "After our successful talks, we are convinced that this visit will afford us an opportunity to further consolidate and enhance relations at both the bilateral and multilateral levels.

"We are confident that the visit will also stimulate and enhance people-to-people ties and cultural exchanges, which are the bedrock upon which the friendship between the two countries and their respective peoples is based."

There was a shared recognition that there was considerable room for further enhanced cooperation in all sectors.

At a multilateral level, the two countries shared a commitment to promoting a more equitable distribution of power and influence in the global political and economic systems.