NOVO OGARYOVO, August 28. /ITAR-TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his South African counterpart Jacob Zuma on Thursday noted progress in bilateral relations and successful cooperation within international formats, particularly within BRICS.

“It is very pleasant that our relations are on the rise,” Putin said, adding “They [relations] develop within bilateral and multilateral formats, particularly within BRICS.”

Zuma shared the view of his Russian counterpart. “I agree with your view: our relations develop steadily,” he said.

The South African president praised the development of economic cooperation.

“I value a chance to meet with your and discuss bilateral relations and international issues,” Zuma said.

“You’re right when you said interaction within BRICS opened new opportunities for cooperation and we’d be able to discuss relations in different directions,” Zuma told Putin.