Interview with Roman Ambarov, Consul General of Russia in Cape Town on the presidential elections

Q: Mr Ambarov, on March 18, your country is holding presidential elections. Can you tell us more about it?

A: This will certainly be the most important day in 2018 for Russia and also crucial for the years to come. According to Russia’s constitution, the president is elected for a six-year term. It is an opportunity for nearly 111 million citizens to exercise their constitutional right.

Of course, Russians living abroad or travelling on the day of the elections will also come to cast their ballot. That keeps our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all diplomatic and consular missions quite busy.

The data published by our Central Election Commission shows there are about 1.8 million voters residing outside Russia and up to 500 000 people who will be abroad on March 18 for tourism or business purposes.

Q: Sounds like quite a challenge.

A: Indeed. However, I am confident it will go well. After all, we have studied the relevant legislation and we have a good team preparing for the election day.

Q: Russian elections, though very interesting, are just one of many events that will draw attention to the country this year. Having taken over the role of chair, South Africa will host the 10th Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) summit in July. Russia is obviously expected to contribute a great deal. What are the recent developments in this regard?

A: Russia is fully supportive of South Africa’s efforts to strengthen the Brics partnership. South Africa has filled this year’s calendar with an incredible number of events.

Incidentally, one can have a look at it on the dedicated webpage www. brics2018.org.za. Russia’s delegations take part in the sittings of various working groups.

In early February, Cape Town saw the first meeting of the Brics Sherpas and Sous-Sherpas.

Key areas of co-operation were discussed – policy and security, the economy and finances, and cultural and humanitarian ties – as well as the priorities of South Africa’s chairmanship and the calendar of Brics events. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, who participated in the meeting, invited the Brics partners to attend the Blockchain Conference in Moscow in April.

He also suggested that this international event, with focus on cryptocurrency and blockchains, could join the list of events held under the auspices of Brics.

As you see, co-operation in the Brics format is very diverse and innovative.

Q: Naturally, many Russians will come to South Africa as members of delegations. What about as tourists?

A: The end of this month will mark one year since the introduction of the visa-free regime between our two countries. In effect, it means citizens of Russia and South Africa can enter, stay, transit and leave the other country’s territory without a visa for a period of up to 90 days.

It always takes a while for everyone to realise that travelling to a particular destination has become easier. Now, finally, we can positively say that this visa-free initiative has been a success.

Travel agents are reporting a tangible increase in the number of tourists. Last year, it was a great way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and a longawaited treat for all Russians and South Africans. Twenty-six years of friendship – a milestone that we reached on February 28 – is a wonderful background to build on.

Q: What an eventful year. There is also the Fifa World Cup to look forward to. Where do we get match tickets?

A: It’s quite easy actually. It’s all online now at www.welcome2018. com. Just buy tickets through the website and apply for a FAN ID which will get you visa-free entry (not that South Africans need it).

The FAN ID also entitles you to free travel between the tournament’s host cities.

Dear South Africans, Russia is looking forward to seeing you.