×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Join Thousands Daily
★★★★ - on Play Store
Read on the App

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.

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week
Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimized reading experience
  • Weekly Newsletters
  • MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted
Already a subscriber? Log in