Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD: Russia and China are set to conduct multinational naval exercises in the Indian Ocean off the coast of South Africa in February.
On Thursday, South Africa’s armed forces said Thursday that their navy along with those of Russia and China will take part in the exercises from February 17 to 27. The drills will place off the country’s east coast near the cities of Richards Bay and Durban.
Naval exercises will coincide with first anniversary of Ukraine conflict
The significance of the naval exercises is that February 24 will be the first anniversary of Russia’s special military offensive in Ukraine. The event will bring into focus Pretoria’s refusal to back the West and condemn the actions of the Russian leadership.
The announcement regarding the drills comes just a few days prior to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visit to South Africa. Lavrov will hold discussions with South Africa’s FM Naledi Pandor.
