On Thursday, Russian Ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov stated that the United States is attempting to downplay the significance of the Russia-Africa summit due to its intention to inflict a strategic setback on Russia, particularly in terms of its economic endeavors.
"In an undeniable display of animosity towards all things Russian and an unrelenting drive to deal us a strategic blow, even on the economic front, Washington officials have become blinded by their fervor. This is the only explanation for their persistent efforts to undermine and now belittle the significance of the second Russia-Africa summit, a resounding success in St. Petersburg. Their lingering resentment stems from the fact that the Russian Federation, through President Vladimir Putin, announced its willingness to provide several African nations with 25-50 thousand tons of grain free of charge in the upcoming months," Antonov said in a statement published in the Telegram channel of the Russian Embassy in Washington.
The diplomat emphasized that Moscow genuinely respects and upholds the sovereignty of its partners, standing ready to enhance comprehensive cooperation across realms such as food security, energy, education, and trade.
"We are committed to aiding the transformation of Africa into a unique and impactful hub of global development. Such a perspective contradicts the agenda of neocolonial practices often pursued by the West, which struggles to establish relationships with the Continent that are both mutually advantageous and equitable," Antonov concluded.
On the information war against Russia
The ambassador also mentioned that attributing the cause of the food crisis to Russia is part of an information warfare strategy. He emphasized that it is Moscow that plays a significant role in enhancing global food security.
"Attributing the provocation of a food crisis and the use of 'food as a weapon' to Russia are well-known tactics of the information war waged against our nation," Antonov stated in his message.
The diplomat is certain that claims about the exceptional productivity of Ukrainian grain lack substantiation. "Even to an external observer, it's evident that the Russian Federation significantly contributes to global food security and stands as a steadfast and trustworthy agricultural supplier. Attempting to compare the agricultural export potential of our nation with Ukraine's is futile; the market shares are vastly disparate," he underscored.
Antonov appealed for tangible action, not mere words, in removing the sanctions constraints from the Russia-UN Memorandum concerning the promotion of Rosagroexport. He also urged for the release of "hundreds of thousands of fertilizers stranded in European ports." "Nearly a year ago, we proposed sending the blocked chemicals to the most impoverished nations, yet they remain stagnant. It strongly seems that the White House is unwilling to heed rational arguments aimed at alleviating tensions on the global food markets," he concluded.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: Sergey Bobylev / TASS
Based on materials from TASS