File
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed that the Chief of the SA Army, Lieutenant-General Lawrence Mbatha is in Moscow for a bilateral between the two military establishments.
SANDF spokesperson, Brigadier-General Andries Mahapa, said the bilateral meeting was planned well in advance.
"And, it must be emphasised that the bilateral is a long-standing arrangement," he said.
News of the army chief's trip to Russia comes on the heels of the fallout between the United States and South Africa over remarks made by US ambassador to SA, Rueben Brigety who alleged that arms had been loaded onto a Russian vessel, Lady R, which docked in Simonstown in December.
The government has since ordered an investigation into the allegations while the Department of International Relations said it has summoned the Ambassador to explain.
In a statement on Monday, the SANDF said General Mbatha had received an invitation from his Russian counterpart for a Goodwill visit.
"The visit includes a call to the higher combined Army Academy and the Artillery Military Academy. During this visit, the Chief of the SA Army will also have staff talks with military officials."
Mahapa said South Africa has "military-to-military bilateral relations with various countries on the continent and beyond.
"The SANDF receives numerous military delegations into the country and sends its own delegation to other countries to discuss matters of mutual interest," he said.
The Democratic Alliance said this once again demonstrated the ANC government’s callousness and insensitivity to our diplomatic and trade dilemma.
MP, Kobus Marais said this unsolicited visit is also the latest in a string of incidents where the South African government clearly and unashamedly demonstrates its support for Russia.
"Even after the collapse of the Rand and the call from the United States to honour relationships they still went ahead and conducted this visit. It is shameful," he said.
