Putin reinforces partnership with Africa
Dozens of African heads of state are in St. Petersburg to take part in the Russia-Africa summit in order to strengthen ties and strengthen the partnership in different areas. This meeting is taking place under the theme already used during the Sochi summit in 2019, 'For peace, security and development', and is being held in parallel with another economic and humanitarian forum that will serve to exchange knowledge and experience between Russians and Africans.
Since the war in Ukraine began, Russia has deepened its ties with Africa, as well as with Asian and South American countries. However, the African continent is particularly relevant to Moscow because of its natural resources and the diplomatic support that African nations can provide. For this reason, Russia has reached numerous agreements with African countries in various areas, especially with those nations located in key geographical regions, such as the Sahel.
Among the highlights of the summit were the import of Russian cereals and agreements on security and defence, especially those related to the Wagner group, which is present in several countries on the continent. At the last summit in 2019, 92 treaties and memorandums of understanding worth 11 billion dollars were signed, as The Conversation recalls.
As revealed by the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to announce several initiatives to help Africa with "sovereign development", including access to food, fertiliser, modern technologies and energy. Ahead of the summit, Putin has stressed his country's intention to supply Africa with food, claiming to have the capacity to "replace Ukrainian grain both commercially and free of charge", reports African Business.
"Our president will make an important statement and assess the current state of the system of international relations, including the formation of a new world order, which is based on the principle of multipolarity and equality of all independent states," Yury Ushkov, deputy Kremlin spokesman, told reporters, as quoted by RT. Ushkov also stressed that the high participation of African leaders "confirms their desire to strengthen ties with Russia, regardless of the circumstances". According to a Kremlin statement, Russia will also seek to encourage Africa's "more active participation" in "solving regional and global problems".
Many countries on the African continent have also shown their interest and willingness to strengthen relations with Russia. For this reason, most have refrained from condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine, presenting themselves as "neutral" and "non-aligned" countries. They have also criticised Western sanctions against Moscow, and many African leaders have welcomed Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during his official trips to the continent despite pressure from the US.
