Russian President Vladimir Putin met with African officials in Sochi, southwest Russia, on Sunday and pledged Moscow’s “total support” for Africa.
“Our country will continue to provide total support to our African friends in different sectors,” Putin said in a speech read out by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to other foreign ministers and senior officials.
With regard to “sustainable development, the fight against terrorism and extremism, combating epidemics, food problems, and the consequences of natural disasters,” Putin stated that Russia might assist nations.
Following two summits between Russia and Africa in 2019 and 2023, the meeting is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.
Russia’s ties with Africa have been getting better “more and more,” according to Lavrov.
“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 wishes to demonstrate the failure of Western sanctions intended to isolate it due to its offensive in Ukraine.
Russia was a significant force in Africa during the Soviet era and has been gaining ground on the continent recently, aided by Russian mercenary organisations and significant investments in the raw materials industry.
