Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, is in South Africa for the first time since the invasion of Ukraine 11 months ago, which Pretoria has refused to denounce.
While the West has rejected Russia, it has historical ties to Pretoria as well as close business relations through the Brics bloc of rising nations.
Mr. Lavrov will meet with his South African colleague, Naledi Pandor, in Pretoria.
Anti-Russia protesters are expected to gather outside the location of the discussions.
South Africa is to hold Operation Mosi, a joint naval drill with Russia and China, next month.