Soviets Establish Cultural, Economic Ties With S. Africa
The Soviet Union and South Africa established consular relations Saturday, but Moscow said there was much work ahead before full diplomatic ties could be resumed.
Tass news agency said Soviet Foreign Minister Boris D. Pankin and his South African counterpart Roelof F. (Pik) Botha signed an agreement establishing consular links after a meeting in Moscow.
The move came one day after Botha, on a private visit to the Soviet Union, challenged Moscow to “wake up” and forge diplomatic and trading links.
But Pankin, describing their talks as “substantive and frank,” said the two countries “still have a long road ahead to develop relations,” Tass said.
The Soviet Union broke off ties with South Africa in 1956, but relations have gradually warmed in the past few years.
Pankin said the new consular ties would boost economic and cultural cooperation but full links would depend on further democratic reform in South Africa.
If reform kept moving at the present rate, this was “not beyond the horizon,” he added.
At present both governments are represented by special interest sections at the Austrian embassies in Moscow and Pretoria.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
