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Putin in key South African visit Putin in key South African visit
(40 minutes later)
Vladimir Putin is starting a visit to South Africa, the first ever Russian leader to visit the country. Vladimir Putin has begun a two-day visit to South Africa - the first Russian leader to visit the country.
Mr Putin is due in Cape Town to begin a two-day leg of a wider African tour. He is scheduled to meet the South African President, Thabo Mbeki. Shortly after he arrived in Cape Town, Mr Putin went for talks with South African President Thabo Mbeki.
The two men will attend bilateral trade talks in an effort to strengthen economic and political ties, with several agreements due to be signed. The two men are expected to sign a range of trade agreements to strengthen economic links between their countries.
The Russian premier will be accompanied by a high-profile business delegation. Mr Putin's trip, which will include other African countries, is being seen as an attempt by the Kremlin to re-assert its influence in the region.
Discussions are likely to focus on investment in the diamond, mining and metals sectors, although the South African foreign ministry said the Middle East crisis and Iran's nuclear ambitions were also on the agenda. The BBC's world affairs correspondent, Peter Biles, said the visit was being hailed as historic.
Mr Putin, accompanied by a high-profile business delegation, is expected to discuss investment in the diamond, mining and metals sectors.
The South African foreign ministry said the Middle East crisis and Iran's nuclear ambitions would also be on the agenda.
Chinese influence
Mr Mbeki and Mr Putin are expected to reach agreements in a number of areas, including health care and space exploration, which South Africa is keen to become more involved in.Mr Mbeki and Mr Putin are expected to reach agreements in a number of areas, including health care and space exploration, which South Africa is keen to become more involved in.
During his state of the nation address in May, President Putin stated that he wanted relations to improve between Russia and Africa. During his state of the nation address in May, President Putin said he wanted relations to improve between Russia and Africa.
The two-day visit comes at a time when Russian companies are becoming increasingly aware of Chinese influence and activity on the continent. South Africa's ruling ANC party had close ties with Russia during its struggle to end apartheid.
Many former ANC activists, including President Mbeki, underwent military training in the Soviet Union.
And it is thought Mr Putin will be given a tour of the prison on Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated.
The visit comes at a time when Russian companies are becoming increasingly aware of Chinese influence and activity on the continent.