South Africa hosts Russian foreign minister despite criticism

South Africa's Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov speak ahead of a bilateral meeting, in Pretoria, South Africa, on January 23, 2023. [Reuters]

South Africa has defended its warm relations and joint military drills with Russia as it hosts Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on his first visit since the invasion of Ukraine.

Lavrov said he appreciated South Africa's neutral stance since the war started one year ago and placed the blame for the continuing conflict squarely on the Ukraine and the West.