On 9 July 2025, a working meeting took place in Moscow between the delegation of the North West Provincial Legislature of the Republic of South Africa and representatives of the Directorate of the IMBRICS Forum 2025. The event continued a series of visits aimed at strengthening international and interregional partnerships.
The Organising Committee was represented by Alexey Naumov, Coordinator of the Forum’s Organising Committee. The Directorate was represented by First Deputy Head Valeria Slutskaya and Deputy Head for Cooperation with Foreign Partners Maria Osipova.
During the meeting, the concept of the IMBRICS Forum 2025 as a multilateral platform for addressing sustainable development goals in a comprehensive manner was presented. Particular emphasis was placed on the Forum’s systematic approach to solving the challenges faced by metropolitan areas and regions. This approach involves cooperation between municipalities, the business community, and educational institutions that provide training for qualified personnel to support regional development.
Representatives of the North West Province spoke about the region’s significant industrial and investment potential — in particular, the extraction and processing of vanadium and other mineral resources. The delegation expressed interest in technology exchange with leading Russian companies, especially in areas related to resource processing, expanding export opportunities, and localising production. According to them, such initiatives could contribute to job creation and reduce unemployment.
Digitalisation was also discussed. The international guests expressed special interest in Moscow’s experience and the "Mos.ru" platform, energy sector development, and the launch of joint training programmes. It was noted that Russia possesses the necessary expertise, which it is ready to share with BRICS partners and other friendly countries.
The parties agreed to begin developing a cooperation roadmap and preparing the relevant agreements. The representatives of the North West Province confirmed their participation in the IMBRICS Forum 2025 and expressed readiness to showcase the region’s investment and human potential, inviting delegations from municipalities, government authorities, and businesses to participate.
The South African side emphasised that it is precisely the comprehensive approach at the core of the Forum’s work that could become the key to sustainable socio-economic development.
The meeting confirmed the high level of mutual interest and laid the foundation for building practical cooperation across a range of priority areas, from economics to education and technological partnerships.