There is strong potential for Russia and South Africa to cooperate in metallurgy, energy and many other sectors, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.
"Unfortunately, the volume of trade and economic links [between Russia and South Africa] is insubstantial, but there are strong possibilities in the metallurgy and energy sectors, among others," the Russian premier said at a meeting with South African President Jacob Zuma in Moscow.
Putin said he hoped the South African leader's visit would provide "an impetus for improving bilateral ties."
He also said Russia and South Africa have old-established good relations.
Russian-South African bilateral trade turnover reached $517.1 million in 2009, but decreased slightly in the first quarter of 2010.
MOSCOW, August 5 (RIA Novosti)
