The Diplomatic Society

23/07/2025

23/07/2025

IORA extends its best wishes to the Arab Republic of Egypt 🇪🇬 on its National Day.

Some quick facts:
Joined IORA in 1999
Capital: Cairo
Languages: Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic
Currency: Egyptian Pound

23/07/2025

22/07/2025

🇨🇺🇲🇿 🫂 Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel today met with Chakil Aboobacar, Secretary General of the Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo), to discuss relations between the two countries' political parties and ways to strengthen them. (PL)

22/07/2025

🎬 Celebrating Values Through Cinema at Russian Movie Night
The Russian Embassy in Pretoria hosted a special screening in honour of the Day of Family, Love, and Fidelity 🇷🇺💞 — a cherished Russian tradition celebrating love, loyalty, and family.
Guests enjoyed two heartwarming films — including the animated Ruslan and Ludmila: More Than a Fairy Tale and the comedic Son of a Rich. Traditional cuisine and folk music added a vibrant touch to the cultural evening.
📍“It’s always interesting to see how values like family and love are explored in different cultures,” shared a guest.

Russian Embassy in the Republic of South Africa
Department of sports and arts & culture

🎥 Read more about this enriching evening and the values it celebrated
👇

Celebrating Values Through Cinema at Russian Movie Night by Anisha Pemjee - TDS Roman Ambarov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation welcoming guests (p

21/07/2025

21/07/2025

✨ Mānawatia a Matariki! 🇳🇿✨
In Pretoria, High Commissioner Philip Hewitt of New Zealand hosted a heartwarming celebration of Matariki, the Māori New Year, under the Southern Hemisphere stars. 🌠
He reminded guests that the stars that guided Māori voyagers across the Pacific are the same ones seen by Sotho, Tswana and Xhosa peoples—proving that we are all truly children under the stars. 🌍🌌
The evening also included stargazing with UNISA astrophysicists, cultural reflections, and a nod to the ongoing rugby rivalry after SA's Junior Springboks triumphed over New Zealand in the U20 World Championship! 🏉🌿

New Zealand High Commission Pretoria, South Africa
Department of International Relations and Cooperation, SA



READ ARTICLE 👇

Guided by the Stars: A Celestial Celebration of Matariki in South Africa by Kirtan Bhana - TDS South Africa's Junior Springboks won the 2025 World Rugb

18/07/2025

18/07/2025

🎙 Address by Ambassador of Russia to South Africa Roman Ambarov on the occasion of Mandela Day (July 18, 2025)

💬 Dear friends,

On July 18, we celebrate – a holiday officially declared by the United Nations to honor the legacy of the South African statesman and one of the most outstanding champions of human rights, Nelson Mandela.

The name Mandela is, without exaggeration, familiar to every person living in the former Soviet republics. For two decades, the slogan “Freedom for Mandela!” echoed through the media and peaceful demonstrations, while our country remained the only major power that consistently refused to engage with the criminal racist regime.

👉 The Soviet Union not only provided substantial financial support to the South African liberation movement but also assisted in training military personnel.

Nelson Mandela praised ties in the times of the struggle against apartheid:
"In a difficult time, Russia became a second home for many of us. Hundreds of young South Africans received an education here — an opportunity denied to them in their own country. Many of our cadres received military training that turned them into skilled fighters for freedom and justice. For the help in liberating the entire South African nation from an inhumane system, we say from the bottom of our hearts: 'Spasibo bolshoe!'" [Thank you very much in Russian].

The friendship forged in those challenging times for South Africans continues to live on between our nations today — thanks in no small part to Nelson Mandela himself.

At the heart of Mandela Day, as established by the UN, lies a principle of action, not words – people are encouraged to perform acts of charity and help those in need. The Russian Embassy in South Africa fully embraces this spirit: as part of this commemorative occasion, Russian diplomats will provide assistance and support to three South African children social facilities..

🤝 I extend my warmest congratulations to all our South African friends on this special day and wish you well-being, prosperity, and strength in pursuing your ideals.

18/07/2025

16/07/2025

Thai–South African Ties Strengthened Through Health, Culture, and Diplomacy 🇹🇭🇿🇦
From universal healthcare collaboration to martial arts diplomacy, Chargé d’Affaires Paisit Boonparlit reflects on his mission in South Africa. His legacy spans Muay Thai showcases, cultural exchanges, public health innovation, and a call for streamlined visas to unlock full bilateral potential.
🗣️ “We want to see more students and professionals exchanging knowledge and skills.”
🌱 “My role has been to plant seeds—of understanding, cooperation, and friendship.”

Royal Thai Embassy in Pretoria



Read more about his journey and vision here 👇

Reflections on South Africa - Thailand Relations in a Changing World Order Paisit Boonparlit, Chargé d’Affaires of the Royal Thai Embassy speaks to The Di

16/07/2025

On 15 and 16 July, over 30 states from around the world are gathering in Bogotá for the most ambitious multilateral effort yet to halt Israel’s genocide in G...