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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived today on a working visit to the Republic of South Africa (SAU), TASS reported.

In the capital Pretoria, he will meet his South African colleague Naledi Pandor.

It is expected that among the topics of the talks will be the preparation of the second Russia-Africa summit and economic forum, which will take place from July 26 to 29 in St. Petersburg.

The ministers will have the opportunity to exchange opinions on issues of bilateral interest, as well as on key international topics, writes BTA.

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They are also likely to discuss current issues of cooperation in the BRICS group (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), of which South Africa is the chairman this year, as well as cooperation in other international forums.

Lavrov's previous meeting with Pandor was in September last year on the sidelines of the 77th UN General Assembly.

The two sides then confirmed their mutual interest in deepening political dialogue and further developing strategic partnership relations.