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Putin in key South African visit Putin in key South African visit
(about 2 hours later)
Vladimir Putin has begun a two-day visit to South Africa - the first Russian leader to visit the country. Russian President Vladimir Putin has begun a two-day visit to South Africa, becoming the first Russian head of state to visit the country.
Shortly after he arrived in Cape Town, Mr Putin went for talks with South African President Thabo Mbeki. Arriving in Cape Town, he met South African President Thabo Mbeki for talks, where the two men were expected to sign a range of trade agreements.
The two men are expected to sign a range of trade agreements to strengthen economic links between their countries. Investments being discussed include diamonds, mining and metals.
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. Mr Putin's trip is being seen as an attempt by the Kremlin to re-assert its influence in the region.
The BBC's world affairs correspondent, Peter Biles, said the visit was being hailed as historic. South Africa's ruling party, the ANC, received military training and financial support from Moscow during its many years of fighting apartheid.
Mr Putin, accompanied by a high-profile business delegation, is expected to discuss investment in the diamond, mining and metals sectors. But since the party took power 12 years ago, Russian influence has waned.
The South African foreign ministry said the Middle East crisis and Iran's nuclear ambitions would also be on the agenda. And the BBC's world affairs correspondent, Peter Biles, says Russia is now conscious of growing Chinese interest in many areas of sub-Saharan Africa.
Chinese influence Diamond firms
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 Putin is being accompanied by some of Russia's most high-profile business leaders.
Two of the world's biggest diamond firms - De Beers of South Africa and Russian company Alrosa - are expected to sign an agreement.
Other topics Mr Mbeki and Mr Putin will consider include health care and space exploration, which South Africa is keen to become more involved in.
Although economic ties are the main focus, the South African foreign ministry said the two men would also discuss the Middle East crisis and Iran's nuclear ambitions.
During his state of the nation address in May, President Putin said 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.
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.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. Mr Putin is expected to be given a tour of the prison on Robben Island where former President Nelson Mandela spent 18 years as a prisoner of the former apartheid regime.
The visit comes at a time when Russian companies are becoming increasingly aware of Chinese influence and activity on the continent. The Russian leader is expected to travel to Morocco later this week.