President Jacob Zuma and Russian President Vladimir Putin have met to deliberate a host of issues that affect the two countries, as well as to discuss ways in which existing bilateral agreements and mutual cooperation could be strengthened, the Presidency said in a statement.

Putin noted that trade between South Africa and Russia rose 13% in 2013, with investment from Russia into South Africa now standing at more than $1-billion a year.

At the meeting, Putin praised the good bilateral relations and cooperation that existed between the two counties, while emphasising the need for Russian and South African Ministers to work together in taking forward the bilateral agreements that had been decided upon during the 2013 South African State visit to Russia.

Meanwhile, Zuma sought support from Russia on the implementation of the government’s priorities around the delivery of basic services like water, sanitation, energy, education, agriculture and tourism.

Putin also appealed for the strengthening of tourism, cultural exchanges and people-to-people relationships between the two countries and committed his country to further working with South Africa on educational exchanges.

Putin also reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to working with South Africa on various global issues, including participation in peacemaking and peacekeeping efforts spearheaded by South Africa on the African continent.

The Russian President further sought the assistance and support of South Africa when Russia took over the leadership of the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, also known as Brics, partnership next year.