On July 27-28, the city of St. Petersburg, Russia, is all set to host the second Russia-Africa Summit and the concurrent Economic and Humanitarian Forum. This important gathering will convene state leaders, government representatives, entrepreneurs, academics, and influential public figures from Russia and Africa.

In a statement, President Vladimir Putin shared his vision for the further development of Russia-Africa relations in the coming decades of the 21st century. He described the long-standing partnership between Russia and Africa as deeply rooted, stable, and marked by trust and goodwill.

Throughout history, Russia has played a significant role in Africa’s struggle against colonial oppression, Putin said. This includes aiding in the development of African statehood and the strengthening of their sovereignty and defense capability.

Putin highlighted how Russian specialists helped build over 330 major infrastructure and industrial facilities in Africa by the mid-1980s. These facilities, which are still operational, contribute significantly to Africa’s economic development. Additionally, he acknowledged the thousands of African professionals who received their education in Russia.

In the international arena, Putin emphasized Russia’s commitment to the principle of “African solutions to African problems”. He reassured that Russia has always respected African states’ sovereignty, traditions, values, and desire for self-determination.

Putin hailed the Russia-Africa partnership as especially significant in the current global context, with the emergence of new centers of economic and political power. He expressed his belief in a new multipolar world order, which he believes will be more just and democratic. In this order, Africa is expected to take its rightful place alongside Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.

Putin also welcomed the rising international stature of Africa and individual African states. He emphasized Russia’s support for Africa’s representation in global structures like the UN Security Council and the G20. Putin stressed Russia’s commitment to reforms in global financial and trade institutions in a way that meets Africa’s interests.

Looking at current global challenges and deepening conflicts, Putin emphasized the importance of working together with African partners to shape a non-discriminatory cooperation agenda. This collaboration is guided by the decisions of the first Russia-Africa Summit held in Sochi in October 2019, and implemented by the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum.

With Russia’s trade turnover with African countries reaching almost 18 billion US dollars in 2022, Putin acknowledged the untapped potential of the trade and economic partnership. He expressed Russian companies’ interest in working actively on the African continent in areas such as high technologies, geological exploration, fuel and energy complex, agriculture, and more.

Putin stressed Russia’s commitment to providing uninterrupted food supplies, despite the sanctions on its exports. He vowed that Russia would continue its energetic efforts to supply grain, food products, fertilizers, and other goods to Africa.

Putin reaffirmed Russia’s intention to continue providing assistance to African states in building their national human resource capacity. There are currently about 35,000 students from Africa studying in Russia, more than 6,000 of whom receive Russian government scholarships.

Putin concluded by stating that Russia attaches great importance to the upcoming second Russia–Africa Summit. He looks forward to welcoming African leaders in St. Petersburg for what promises to be a constructive dialogue. Putin expressed his belief that the decisions adopted at the Summit and Forum will contribute to further developing the Russian-African strategic partnership for the benefit of both countries and peoples.