SA Army chief in Moscow for talks with Russian counterpart

South African Army chief Lt-Gen Lawrence Mbatha is in Moscow for talks with his counterpart, Russia’s defence ministry said on Monday. 

Commander-in-chief of the ground forces of the Russian armed forces Oleg Salyukov and Mbatha “discussed agreements on further enhancing co-operation and increasing the combat readiness of the armed forces of both countries”, reported the state run TASS news agency. 

Details of the visit come on the heels of a diplomatic fallout between the US and South Africa over claims on May 11 by US ambassador Reuben Brigety that South Africa shipped arms aboard the Lady R — which docked in Simon’s Town naval base in December — to Russia.  

The Presidency said the government would implement an independent inquiry to probe the allegations — denied by South Africa but which threaten its lucrative trade and diplomatic ties with the US.  

“During the meeting of the military leaders, agreements were reached to further increase co-operation between the ground forces in various fields,” the Russian defence ministry said.