Forwarded from Russian Embassy in South Africa
🇷🇺🇿🇦 Representatives of the Russian Embassy in the Republic of South Africa took part in the 6th South Africa Investment Conference held in Johannesburg on 31 March 2026.
🌐The event brought together representatives of the South African economic cluster, heads of government institutions and companies, as well as representatives of the business and expert community. In total, more than 1,200 participants from more than 50 countries gathered here. Among them were senior government officials, global investors, financial development institutions, banking executives, and corporate leaders.
📍The conference programme included a series of high-level sessions on strategic partnerships, energy and critical minerals, innovative financing and economic diplomacy.
🎙️In his address, President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosа highlighted the country’s focus on a new model of economic development based on digital transformation and diversification and reaffirmed its commitment to creating a predictable and attractive environment for long-term investment, marking a transition from recovery to sustained accelerated growth.
At the same time, a new target was set to mobilise up to 2 trillion rands in investments over the next five years.
🇷🇺🤝🇿🇦 The Russian side consistently attaches great importance to the development of trade and economic ties with the Republic of South Africa, viewing it as one of the key areas of strategic cooperation. In 2025, bilateral trade once again demonstrated positive dynamics, increasing by 6% and exceeding 900 million US dollars.
#RussiaSouthAfrica
🌐The event brought together representatives of the South African economic cluster, heads of government institutions and companies, as well as representatives of the business and expert community. In total, more than 1,200 participants from more than 50 countries gathered here. Among them were senior government officials, global investors, financial development institutions, banking executives, and corporate leaders.
📍The conference programme included a series of high-level sessions on strategic partnerships, energy and critical minerals, innovative financing and economic diplomacy.
🎙️In his address, President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosа highlighted the country’s focus on a new model of economic development based on digital transformation and diversification and reaffirmed its commitment to creating a predictable and attractive environment for long-term investment, marking a transition from recovery to sustained accelerated growth.
At the same time, a new target was set to mobilise up to 2 trillion rands in investments over the next five years.
🇷🇺🤝🇿🇦 The Russian side consistently attaches great importance to the development of trade and economic ties with the Republic of South Africa, viewing it as one of the key areas of strategic cooperation. In 2025, bilateral trade once again demonstrated positive dynamics, increasing by 6% and exceeding 900 million US dollars.
#RussiaSouthAfrica
Forwarded from Russian Embassy in India
A series of negotiations on a wide range of bilateral cooperation issues will take place in New Delhi.
"The key focus of the Intergovernmental Commission's work today is the comprehensive expansion of trade and economic ties, ensuring the stability of mutual settlements and logistics chains, improving conditions for mutual market access, and identifying and supporting new investment initiatives and cooperative projects. Specific steps to implement these plans, including those outlined in the Economic Cooperation Program through 2030 adopted in December 2025, and in the context of the current global situation, will be discussed during the meetings with our Indian partners scheduled as part of the visit", Denis Manturov noted.
#RussiaIndia
#DruzhbaDosti
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🇷🇺🇦🇲 On April 1, President Vladimir Putin held talks at the Kremlin with Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, who arrived in Moscow on a working visit.
💬 President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Pashinyan, friends,
We are delighted to welcome you in Moscow. Thank you very much for accepting our invitation and coming here.
We can see that domestic political processes in Armenia are gaining momentum, with elections approaching. In this context, I would like to emphasise several key points: such processes often become more intense during election campaigns, as is the case not only in Armenia, I believe, but also in Russia and other countries. However, this escalation must not be allowed to affect relations between Russia and Armenia.
We have discussed this many times. Russia and Armenia have special relationships which have evolved over centuries rather than decades. We are united by our common history as well as our cooperation to solve the challenges that we faced in years past. Crucially, we are also united by civilizational affinity. I have already told you this privately before, and I can say it publicly now: we are always in favour of anything that benefits the Armenian people, and you can always rely on it.
As for economic cooperation, it continues to develop at a solid pace. Trade reached approximately $11 billion the year before last, and amounted to $6.4 billion in 2025. <...>
We observe that there is an ongoing discussion in Armenia concerning the development of relations with the European Union. We remain entirely calm about this, understanding that each nation endeavours to maximise the advantages of cooperation with third countries. However, this must be transparent and articulated honestly, in advance, as it were, “on the shore,” beforehand.
Simultaneous membership in the Customs Union with the European Union and the #EAEU is impossible; it is simply untenable by definition. The issue is not even a political one; it is purely economic. <...>
There are also numerous other issues today, at this present moment. Perhaps years will pass, and we – the EAEU and the European Union – I hope this will eventually be the case, given that we reside on the same continent – will be able to resolve them. <...>
Now, regarding energy. I hope the situation will improve there as well. However, currently, as you are aware, energy prices, gas prices, for instance, in Europe exceed 600 dollars per 1,000 cubic metres, whereas Russia provides gas to Armenia at 177.5 per 1,000 cubic metres. The disparity is vast, the difference is substantial. <...>
Now, turning to security issues. Of course, the most sensitive issue to this day – and we recognise this, we discuss it often – is everything relating to #Karabakh. <...> But I think it is also clear that, after you recognised Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan in Prague in 2022, it simply became wholly inappropriate for the #CSTO to become involved in a process that had taken on an intra-Azerbaijani dimension. <...>
Incidentally, thanks to your efforts and those of the President of Azerbaijan, I believe you have now managed to stabilise relations. The US President has played an active role in this, and I understand transport links are being unfrozen, and so on. But I think we also need to draw a line under this matter. And it would be better if this did not become entangled in the domestic political process, especially during an election campaign.
<...>
Let me say again that, whatever happens, we in Russia will always be guided by what is best for the Armenian people. I have said this to you before, and I want to emphasise it once again.
🤝 And I would like to express my hope that, regardless of the outcome of the elections in Armenia, our shared commitment to building and strengthening #RussiaArmenia ties will continue.
Thank you.
💬 President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Pashinyan, friends,
We are delighted to welcome you in Moscow. Thank you very much for accepting our invitation and coming here.
We can see that domestic political processes in Armenia are gaining momentum, with elections approaching. In this context, I would like to emphasise several key points: such processes often become more intense during election campaigns, as is the case not only in Armenia, I believe, but also in Russia and other countries. However, this escalation must not be allowed to affect relations between Russia and Armenia.
We have discussed this many times. Russia and Armenia have special relationships which have evolved over centuries rather than decades. We are united by our common history as well as our cooperation to solve the challenges that we faced in years past. Crucially, we are also united by civilizational affinity. I have already told you this privately before, and I can say it publicly now: we are always in favour of anything that benefits the Armenian people, and you can always rely on it.
As for economic cooperation, it continues to develop at a solid pace. Trade reached approximately $11 billion the year before last, and amounted to $6.4 billion in 2025. <...>
We observe that there is an ongoing discussion in Armenia concerning the development of relations with the European Union. We remain entirely calm about this, understanding that each nation endeavours to maximise the advantages of cooperation with third countries. However, this must be transparent and articulated honestly, in advance, as it were, “on the shore,” beforehand.
Simultaneous membership in the Customs Union with the European Union and the #EAEU is impossible; it is simply untenable by definition. The issue is not even a political one; it is purely economic. <...>
There are also numerous other issues today, at this present moment. Perhaps years will pass, and we – the EAEU and the European Union – I hope this will eventually be the case, given that we reside on the same continent – will be able to resolve them. <...>
Now, regarding energy. I hope the situation will improve there as well. However, currently, as you are aware, energy prices, gas prices, for instance, in Europe exceed 600 dollars per 1,000 cubic metres, whereas Russia provides gas to Armenia at 177.5 per 1,000 cubic metres. The disparity is vast, the difference is substantial. <...>
Now, turning to security issues. Of course, the most sensitive issue to this day – and we recognise this, we discuss it often – is everything relating to #Karabakh. <...> But I think it is also clear that, after you recognised Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan in Prague in 2022, it simply became wholly inappropriate for the #CSTO to become involved in a process that had taken on an intra-Azerbaijani dimension. <...>
Incidentally, thanks to your efforts and those of the President of Azerbaijan, I believe you have now managed to stabilise relations. The US President has played an active role in this, and I understand transport links are being unfrozen, and so on. But I think we also need to draw a line under this matter. And it would be better if this did not become entangled in the domestic political process, especially during an election campaign.
<...>
Let me say again that, whatever happens, we in Russia will always be guided by what is best for the Armenian people. I have said this to you before, and I want to emphasise it once again.
🤝 And I would like to express my hope that, regardless of the outcome of the elections in Armenia, our shared commitment to building and strengthening #RussiaArmenia ties will continue.
Thank you.
✉️ President of Russia Vladimir Putin sent a message of greetings to President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko on the Day of Unity between the Peoples of Russia and Belarus (April 2, 2026)
The message reads, in part:
#RussiaBelarus 🇷🇺🇧🇾
The message reads, in part:
“Over the three decades since the signing of the Treaty on the Establishment of the Community of Russia and Belarus, a great deal has been accomplished to develop mutually beneficial integration ties and fruitful bilateral cooperation.
Our people enjoy equal rights and opportunities across the entire territory of the Union State. Moscow and Minsk align the key parameters of macroeconomic, monetary, and social policies, and coordinate efforts in the areas of international cooperation, defence, and security.
During the meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State held in February, we outlined a set of measures to further advance integration processes in various areas. I am confident that its consistent implementation fully meets the interests of the two nations, Russia and Belarus.”
#RussiaBelarus 🇷🇺🇧🇾
✉️ President of Russia Vladimir Putin sent a message to the participants of the ceremonial assemblies marking the Day of Unity of the Peoples of Russia and Belarus (April 2, 2026)
The message reads, in part:
#RussiaBelarus 🇷🇺🇧🇾
The message reads, in part:
“Thirty years ago today, the Treaty on the Establishment of the Community of Russia and Belarus was signed, marking the beginning of the integration process between our two nations.
Over this period, mutually beneficial ties have expanded significantly, with their positive impact clearly reflected in people’s daily lives. Today, Russians and Belarusians enjoy equal rights in healthcare, education, social security, and pensions, and can freely choose where to live and work – from Brest to Vladivostok.
Close coordination has been established in foreign policy, defence, and security, which is especially important in the current complex international environment. The two countries are also jointly implementing comprehensive measures to strengthen their financial, economic, scientific, and technological sovereignty.
The Union State has, without exaggeration, become a key driver of integration processes across Eurasia, serving as a model for cooperation within multilateral organisations such as the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, the Eurasian Economic Union, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
I am confident that, building on the achievements to date, we will continue our consistent joint efforts to further expand allied relations and deepen comprehensive cooperation between Russia and Belarus, for the benefit of our fraternal peoples.”
#RussiaBelarus 🇷🇺🇧🇾
✉️ Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov sent his greetings to Foreign Minister of Belarus Maxim Ryzhenkov on the Day of Unity of the Peoples of Russia and Belarus (April 2, 2026)
The message reads, in part:
#RussiaBelarus 🇷🇺🇧🇾
The message reads, in part:
“Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on the Day of Unity of the Peoples of Russia and Belarus and the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on the Formation of the Community of Russia and Belarus, which laid the foundation for this holiday and marked the beginning of a new stage in the unifying processes between our countries.
This day symbolizes the unbreakable friendship, deep-rooted cultural and spiritual affinity, and inseparable destinies of Russians and Belarusians.
For centuries, our brotherly peoples have stood shoulder to shoulder through every trial, selflessly defending their sovereignty and steadfastly upholding our shared traditional values.
A constant priority for the Foreign Ministries of Russia and Belarus remains providing foreign policy support for broad bilateral cooperation and diplomatic backing for the integration-building of the Union State.
I reaffirm my commitment to close coordination of our approaches, to jointly defending our common interests, and to promoting shared initiatives on the international stage, with a view to building a stable and just system of interstate relations based on the immutable norms of international law and the principle of equal and indivisible security.
I look forward to continuing our close, trusting and productive cooperation.
I would also like to wish you and the entire staff of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry good health, happiness, well-being and every success for the benefit of strengthening friendship and cooperation between the brotherly peoples of our countries”.
#RussiaBelarus 🇷🇺🇧🇾
Media is too big
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🔎 The Global Fact-Checking Network (#GFCN), marking International Fact-Checking Day (April 2), has launched a new multilingual educational initiative – “Start Fact-Checking with GFCN in 50 Languages” – making a foundational lesson on fact-checking accessible to audiences around the world.
The project is designed as a practical starting point for anyone seeking to understand how to counter false information, including:
• main types of fakes
• ways misinformation spreads
• available verification methods
• digital tools to assess suspicious content
The original lesson was recorded in Russian and translated into 50 languages using AI technologies to ensure rapid and broad international accessibility. While minor translation inaccuracies or artefacts may occasionally occur, the methodological core and practical framework remain consistent across all versions.
The lesson is now available across all major world regions, including Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, Central Asia, and the post-Soviet space. The language coverage includes both widely spoken international languages and regional and national languages, ensuring accessibility for diverse audiences.
💬 According to GFCN Vice President Daniil Bisslinger:
The initiative is intended for students, journalists, educators, researchers, civil society representatives, and anyone interested in developing practical media literacy skills.
👉 FULL LESSON AVAILABLE HERE 👈
ℹ️ The Global Fact-Checking Network was established in 2025 by ANPO Dialog Regions, TASS News Agency, and the New Media School to coordinate global efforts to combat disinformation by bringing together participants from different countries. Today, GFCN unites more than 105 fact-checking experts from 53 countries.
The project is designed as a practical starting point for anyone seeking to understand how to counter false information, including:
• main types of fakes
• ways misinformation spreads
• available verification methods
• digital tools to assess suspicious content
The original lesson was recorded in Russian and translated into 50 languages using AI technologies to ensure rapid and broad international accessibility. While minor translation inaccuracies or artefacts may occasionally occur, the methodological core and practical framework remain consistent across all versions.
The lesson is now available across all major world regions, including Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, Central Asia, and the post-Soviet space. The language coverage includes both widely spoken international languages and regional and national languages, ensuring accessibility for diverse audiences.
💬 According to GFCN Vice President Daniil Bisslinger:
“By expanding access to basic fact-checking knowledge in 50 languages, we are taking another concrete step towards building a global community capable of countering disinformation. Our goal is to provide people around the world with effective, practical tools that will help them distinguish between facts and manipulation and make more informed decisions in today’s information environment”.
The initiative is intended for students, journalists, educators, researchers, civil society representatives, and anyone interested in developing practical media literacy skills.
👉 FULL LESSON AVAILABLE HERE 👈
ℹ️ The Global Fact-Checking Network was established in 2025 by ANPO Dialog Regions, TASS News Agency, and the New Media School to coordinate global efforts to combat disinformation by bringing together participants from different countries. Today, GFCN unites more than 105 fact-checking experts from 53 countries.
🇷🇺🇪🇬 President of Russia Vladimir Putin held talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty (April 2, 2026, Moscow).
Taking part in the talks on the Russian Side were Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov. Representing Egypt was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Russian Federation Hamdy Shaaban.
***
💬 Vladimir Putin: We are very glad to see you in Moscow.
Just recently, on March 31, I had the pleasure of speaking with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. We discussed both bilateral relations and issues related to developments in the region. It is important for us to maintain regular contacts.
I know that you have a busy programme with your Russian counterpart, Minister Lavrov, and other senior Russian officials. I am sure it will be beneficial for our bilateral relations.
We have many good plans, and much is already being implemented. Work continues on the construction of the nuclear power plant and the industrial zone project. More than ten major Russian companies have expressed readiness to operate there.
We can also discuss the creation of a grain and energy hub in Egypt. There are many interesting ideas in this regard.
I would also like to draw your attention to the next #RussiaAfrica Summit scheduled for October this year. We hope Egypt will be represented by a strong, high-level delegation. And if the President of Egypt finds the time, we would, of course, be very pleased to welcome him to Moscow. Please convey to him my very best wishes.
Naturally, the situation in the region is a matter of shared concern for us. We all hope that the conflict will be brought to an end as soon as possible. President Trump also spoke about this yesterday.
❗️Let me reiterate: for our part, we are ready to do everything possible to help return the situation to normal.
In this regard, it is, of course, very important for us to hear your assessments, the assessments of Egypt as a key Middle Eastern country, on this issue.
***
Following up on my telephone conversation with the President of Egypt, I instructed the Government to work with our Egyptian colleagues on the supply of food products to Egypt, above all our grain. Egypt is our partner in this respect.
I would like to note that we had strong agricultural results last year and a good harvest. We have no problems with supplies.
#RussiaEgypt
Taking part in the talks on the Russian Side were Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov. Representing Egypt was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Russian Federation Hamdy Shaaban.
***
💬 Vladimir Putin: We are very glad to see you in Moscow.
Just recently, on March 31, I had the pleasure of speaking with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. We discussed both bilateral relations and issues related to developments in the region. It is important for us to maintain regular contacts.
I know that you have a busy programme with your Russian counterpart, Minister Lavrov, and other senior Russian officials. I am sure it will be beneficial for our bilateral relations.
We have many good plans, and much is already being implemented. Work continues on the construction of the nuclear power plant and the industrial zone project. More than ten major Russian companies have expressed readiness to operate there.
We can also discuss the creation of a grain and energy hub in Egypt. There are many interesting ideas in this regard.
I would also like to draw your attention to the next #RussiaAfrica Summit scheduled for October this year. We hope Egypt will be represented by a strong, high-level delegation. And if the President of Egypt finds the time, we would, of course, be very pleased to welcome him to Moscow. Please convey to him my very best wishes.
Naturally, the situation in the region is a matter of shared concern for us. We all hope that the conflict will be brought to an end as soon as possible. President Trump also spoke about this yesterday.
❗️Let me reiterate: for our part, we are ready to do everything possible to help return the situation to normal.
In this regard, it is, of course, very important for us to hear your assessments, the assessments of Egypt as a key Middle Eastern country, on this issue.
***
Following up on my telephone conversation with the President of Egypt, I instructed the Government to work with our Egyptian colleagues on the supply of food products to Egypt, above all our grain. Egypt is our partner in this respect.
I would like to note that we had strong agricultural results last year and a good harvest. We have no problems with supplies.
#RussiaEgypt
🇷🇺🇸🇦📞 On April 2, President of Russia Vladimir Putin and Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud had a telephone conversation.
The Sides held a substantive exchange on the full range of issues related to the crisis in the Middle East.
They expressed serious concern over the deterioration of the military-political situation in the region, civilian casualties and the destruction of strategically important infrastructure.
Both Leaders stressed the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for stepping up political and diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a long-term settlement of the conflict with due regard for the legitimate interests of all parties.
It was noted that the problems affecting the production and transportation of energy resources as a result of the crisis are having a negative impact on global energy security. In this connection, emphasis was placed on the importance of the joint work carried out with the participation of Russia and Saudi Arabia within the OPEC+ format to stabilize the global oil market.
🤝 The Sides expressed satisfaction with the high level of multifaceted Russia-Saudi Arabia cooperation, which continues to advance in a spirit of friendship and mutual benefit.
#RussiaSaudiArabia
The Sides held a substantive exchange on the full range of issues related to the crisis in the Middle East.
They expressed serious concern over the deterioration of the military-political situation in the region, civilian casualties and the destruction of strategically important infrastructure.
Both Leaders stressed the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for stepping up political and diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a long-term settlement of the conflict with due regard for the legitimate interests of all parties.
It was noted that the problems affecting the production and transportation of energy resources as a result of the crisis are having a negative impact on global energy security. In this connection, emphasis was placed on the importance of the joint work carried out with the participation of Russia and Saudi Arabia within the OPEC+ format to stabilize the global oil market.
🤝 The Sides expressed satisfaction with the high level of multifaceted Russia-Saudi Arabia cooperation, which continues to advance in a spirit of friendship and mutual benefit.
#RussiaSaudiArabia
💬 Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova:
Kaja Kallas has embarrassed the EU yet again.
With persistence better applied elsewhere, she keeps repeating the claim of Russia’s alleged “19 attacks”. She first voiced this talking point back in November 2025.
👉 One might have thought she had already been set straight
But no – stupidity is not cured that easily. Now she is back to the very same “19 attacks” mantra. Only this time, Kallas has decided to drag... Africa into it as well.
Let us remind poor Kaja who actually left a lasting scar on the African continent.
👉 The list for the past 100 years ALONE speaks volumes
It comes as no surprise that in nearly all of the most striking episodes of aggression, intervention and colonial wars, one finds today’s EU states and Britain. The very same countries that, quite tellingly, abstained on March 25 during the vote on the draft resolution “Declaration of the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans and Racialized Chattel Enslavement of Africans as the Gravest Crime against Humanity”.
☝️ That is neocolonialism in all its ugliness.
Incidentally, in January, Kallas confessed to her great love of reading and even promised to “become very smart”. One might suggest adding the monograph Colonialism, Neocolonialism, Decolonization: Research Experience and Contemporary Discourse to her educational reading list.
Who knows – perhaps she will grow smarter after all.But I wouldn't bet on it.
Kaja Kallas has embarrassed the EU yet again.
With persistence better applied elsewhere, she keeps repeating the claim of Russia’s alleged “19 attacks”. She first voiced this talking point back in November 2025.
👉 One might have thought she had already been set straight
But no – stupidity is not cured that easily. Now she is back to the very same “19 attacks” mantra. Only this time, Kallas has decided to drag... Africa into it as well.
Let us remind poor Kaja who actually left a lasting scar on the African continent.
👉 The list for the past 100 years ALONE speaks volumes
It comes as no surprise that in nearly all of the most striking episodes of aggression, intervention and colonial wars, one finds today’s EU states and Britain. The very same countries that, quite tellingly, abstained on March 25 during the vote on the draft resolution “Declaration of the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans and Racialized Chattel Enslavement of Africans as the Gravest Crime against Humanity”.
☝️ That is neocolonialism in all its ugliness.
Incidentally, in January, Kallas confessed to her great love of reading and even promised to “become very smart”. One might suggest adding the monograph Colonialism, Neocolonialism, Decolonization: Research Experience and Contemporary Discourse to her educational reading list.
Who knows – perhaps she will grow smarter after all.
🇷🇺🇷🇸📞 On April 2, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior of Serbia Ivica Dacic had a telephone conversation.
They discussed various issues of the Russia-Serbia partnership and cooperation in key areas.
The Sides also exchanged views on the situation in the Balkans. They stressed the fundamental importance of UN Security Council Resolution 1244 for the settlement of the Kosovo issue and their shared interest in preserving stability in the Balkan region.
#RussiaSerbia
They discussed various issues of the Russia-Serbia partnership and cooperation in key areas.
The Sides also exchanged views on the situation in the Balkans. They stressed the fundamental importance of UN Security Council Resolution 1244 for the settlement of the Kosovo issue and their shared interest in preserving stability in the Balkan region.
#RussiaSerbia
Forwarded from Russian Embassy in India
They discussed specific steps to implement the agreements reached during the 23rd bilateral summit, held in New Delhi in December 2025.
#RussiaIndia
#DruzhbaDosti
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