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The Democratic Alliance (DA) distances itself from recent comments made by President Ramaphosa during bilateral engagements with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where he stated that "Russia is a valuable ally and friend."

The Democratic Alliance, as a key partner in the Government of National Unity (GNU), rejects this characterisation in no uncertain terms.

The Democratic Alliance does not consider Russia, or Vladimir Putin, to be an ally of our Nation.

We cannot and will not agree that South Africa should consider an authoritarian regime, that is currently violating international law by waging an imperialist war of aggression against a sovereign state, as an ally.

At a time when South Africa is experiencing renewed optimism with the first real prospects of economic growth in almost two decades, our government simply cannot afford to make statements that could jeopardise international relations and trade opportunities, which are crucial for realising our key objectives of growth and job creation.

As Leader of the Democratic Alliance in the GNU, I reiterate the importance of positions expressed on behalf of the GNU being the subject to full and proper debate within the government mechanisms before being announced as positions of the GNU to ensure maximum consensus and agreement amongst the parties to the GNU.

Issued by John Steenhuisen MP - Leader of the Democratic Alliance