The Ambassador of the Government of the Russian Federation to the Republic of South Africa, to the Republic of South Africa, His. Excellency Mr. Victor Sibilev, visited the SADC Executive Secretary Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax at the SADC Secretariat Head office in Gaborone on the 5th September 2017. The parties discussed the signing arrangement for two Memoranda of Understanding, which are guided by the common aspiration of the people of SADC and Russian Federation to strengthen friendship and mutual understanding to develop comprehensive, equitable and fruitful cooperation.
The SADC and the Government of Russia Federation are working on signing the two Memoranda of Understanding, on Basic principles of Relations and Cooperation as well as in the area of Military and Technical Cooperation, to facilitate cooperation between the two parties.
The Memorandum of Understanding on Basic principles of Relations and Cooperation focuses on cooperation on political, industrial development, trade, economic, humanitarian, scientific, technical, social, and cultural aspects, while the Military and Technical Cooperation is aimed at strengthening cooperation in the military technological and technical areas particularly in the fields joint military production, research and development and technology transfer as well as in military training and supply of various related equipment.
Ambassador Sibilev thanked the Executive Secretary for her commitment in fostering the relationship and cultivation of historical and cultural affinities that exist between the people of SADC Region and the Russia Federation. He indicated that the Government of the Russian Federation was ready to sign the Memorandum of Agreement on Basic principles of Relations and Cooperation which will lay a foundation for working and thematic groups to convene meetings and develop frameworks on cooperation.
Dr. Tax welcomed the Ambassador and thanked him and the Government of Russian Federation for showing interest in strengthening cooperation with SADC, and reaffirming commitment to the contribution and improvement of the economic well-being, and standard of living and quality of life, freedom and social justice as well as peace and security of the citizens of the region.
