South Africans commemorating Freedom Day on Saturday received a message of support from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who reiterated the strong relationship between Pretoria and Moscow.
In a letter sent to President Cyril Ramaphosa and made public by the Russian Embassy in South Africa on Sunday, Putin emphasized the depth of cooperation between the two countries. He cited growing partnerships in trade, economic development, science, technology, and humanitarian fields, along with their collaboration on global platforms such as last year’s BRICS Summit in Kazan.
Putin expressed optimism about the future of the bilateral relationship, stating that strengthening the Russia–South Africa strategic partnership serves the interests of both nations and contributes to international security and stability.
In closing, Putin extended wishes of good health, happiness, and prosperity to Ramaphosa and the people of South Africa.
Freedom Day, observed every year on April 27, marks the country’s first democratic elections in 1994, which brought an end to decades of apartheid rule and established a new era of inclusive governance.