Criticized For Holding Joint Military Exercises With Russia And China, South African Foreign Minister: This Is A Natural Relationship

JAKARTA - South Africa's foreign minister on Monday fended off criticism of planned joint military exercises with Russia and China, saying hosting such exercises with "friends" was a "natural relationship".

Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor made the comments during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who is visiting South Africa.

South Africa was one of Russia's most important allies on a continent divided by the invasion, as well as Western efforts to isolate Moscow because of its military actions.

Several opposition parties and the small Ukrainian community in South Africa said hosting Lavrov was insensitive.

South Africa says it is not taking sides on the Ukraine conflict, and not voting on a UN resolution on the war.

"All countries carry out military exercises with friends around the world. This is a natural relationship," Pandor, along with Lavrov, told reporters in the capital, Pretoria, according to Reuters on January 23.

It is known, the Government of South Africa under President Cyril Ramaphosa, has expressed its desire to mediate the Ukrainian conflict as a neutral party.

Foreign Minister Pandor emphasized that although South Africa initially asked Russia to withdraw from Ukraine unilaterally, that was no longer its position.

"Repeating that... to Foreign Minister Lavrov today would make me seem quite simple and childish, considering the massive arms transfers (to Ukraine)... and everything that has happened (since)," she said.

Pandor said South Africa would not be dragged into taking sides, and accused the West of condemning Russia while ignoring issues such as Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories.

"As South Africa, we have consistently articulated that we will always be ready to support the peaceful resolution of conflicts on the (African) continent and around the world," said Pandor in remarks on Monday.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Lavrov said the military exercises were transparent, with Russia, China, and South Africa have provided all relevant information.

South Africa's armed forces said last week the drills were "a means of strengthening the relationship that is already developing between South Africa, Russia and China".

As South Africa's Ministry of Defense says on its website, the exercise will be held in the Indian Ocean over 10 days in the region, from the port cities of Durban and Richards Bay "with the aim of sharing operational skills and knowledge."