South Africa and Russia have agreed to strengthen cooperation between their armies following high-level talks in Moscow focused on training, leadership development, and professional military exchanges.

South African Army Chief Lieutenant General Lawrence Mbatha met Colonel General Alexander Matovnikov, deputy commander-in-chief of the Russian Ground Forces, on Tuesday during an official visit that began on Monday, according to official statements from both sides.

Russia’s Defense Ministry said the parties discussed joint projects “aimed at enhancing the combat readiness of both countries’ armies.”

“Agreements were reached on further strengthening cooperation between the land forces in various areas,” it added.

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) said the engagements were intended to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation and foster closer collaboration between the ground forces of the two countries.

Mbatha, who is making his second official visit to Russia, also visited the Moscow Combined Arms School, where talks covered professional military education, officer development, and leadership training. His delegation is expected to visit Russian defense companies and other military academies, SANDF said in a statement.

The army chief also laid a wreath at Moscow’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in tribute to Soviet troops killed during World War II.

The SANDF said the engagements reaffirmed its commitment to “defense diplomacy, international military cooperation, and the development of enduring partnerships founded on mutual respect.”

Mbatha made his first visit to Moscow in May 2023 amid heightened pressure from Western countries, including the US, for South Africa to condemn Russia and scale back bilateral cooperation over the Ukraine conflict.

South Africa, a member of BRICS, has insisted on its non-aligned stance, with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arguing that Pretoria’s neutrality allows it to engage with both sides.

South Africa and Russia have maintained longstanding relations dating back to the Soviet Union’s support for the African National Congress during the struggle against apartheid.

Pretoria and Moscow have participated in several naval exercises alongside other partners, most recently the China-led Will for Peace drills held off South Africa’s coast in January under a BRICS Plus framework. The two countries also joined China in the Mosi II exercise hosted by South Africa in February 2023.