The Russian President Vladimir Putin graciously pledged Moscow’s unwavering support for Africa during a significant conference held in Sochi, southwest Russia, where he engaged in fruitful discussions with esteemed African officials.
“Our nation will keep on giving full support to our African companions in various sectors,” Putin respectfully stated in a speech read out by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to other foreign ministers and senior officials.
Putin said Russia could help countries with “sustainable development, the struggle against terrorism and extremism, combating epidemics, food problems and the consequences of natural disasters”.
The conference, which will be held on Saturday and Sunday, is a continuation of the two Russia-Africa summits that took place in 2019 and 2023.
Lavrov said Russia’s relations with Africa have been strengthening “more and more”.
“We see progress on all axes” of co-operation, he said.
The conference is another chance for Russia to promote its vision of a “multipolar world” — a month after it hosted a BRICS summit of major emerging economies.
Russia wants to show that Western sanctions aimed at isolating it over its Ukraine offensive have failed.
Russia was a major player in Africa in Soviet times and has been growing in influence on the continent in recent years, including with the help of Russian mercenary groups and through large investments in the raw-materials sector.
AFP