Moscow, Pretoria Resume Diplomatic Ties After 36 Years
Russia and South Africa established full diplomatic relations Friday, ending more than three decades of hostility.
Foreign Ministers Roelof F. (Pik) Botha of South Africa and Andrei V. Kozyrev of Russia signed an agreement to exchange ambassadors.
“This just about concludes our establishing relations with all the important powers in the world. This is a momentous occasion for all of us in South Africa,” Botha said.
Moscow severed relations with South Africa 36 years ago over Pretoria’s apartheid policies and supported black guerrilla activities, including attempts by the African National Congress to overthrow the government.
The dismantling of apartheid and an end to Moscow’s support for African leftist groups and governments contributed to the new climate of cooperation, diplomats said.
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