Putin briefs South Africa's president on Ukraine military operation and on talks with Ukrainian side - Kremlin
MOSCOW. March 10 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa at South Africa's initiative, the Kremlin press service said.
"At the request of Cyril Ramaphosa, the Russian president informed him of the reasons and goals of the special military operation to defend Donbas and of the situation at talks with representatives of the Ukrainian authorities. The president of South Africa voiced support for the ongoing political and diplomatic efforts," the press service said.
The two countries' leaders also exchanged greetings on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and South Africa and "reaffirmed their commitment to further developing the strategic partnership between Russia and South Africa," it said.
"In particular, the parties underscored their readiness to broaden cooperation in trade, the economy, humanitarian affairs, and in countering the spread of the coronavirus infection. They also emphasized the importance of further interaction within BRICS and on other international platforms," the press service said.
The leaders agreed to continue their contacts, the press service said.