The inaugural Russia-Africa conference of the Valdai International Discussion Club is scheduled to take place in St. Petersburg on Tuesday. The conference will convene numerous experts and diplomats who will engage in discussions centered around enhancing Russia's presence and influence in Africa.
"We believe it is essential to address the concerns our African partners might have due to the current sanctions pressure. Our aim with the Valdai conference is to have candid conversations about how African experts view Russia's role on their continent," stated the organizers ahead of the conference. "It is crucial to dispel any doubts and present new opportunities for interaction between Africa and Russia. We are committed to actively working on African issues and maintaining strong ties with the continent," they added.
According to the Valdai press service, the event is expected to welcome over 60 participants, including experts from 15 countries. Among the participating nations are South Africa, Egypt, Algeria, Kenya, Senegal, Cameroon, as well as China, India and Russia. Notably, the Russian side will be represented by esteemed guests, including Oleg Ozerov, Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Head of the Secretariat of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum; Andrey Avetisyan, Russian Ambassador to Tanzania; and Pavel Kalmychek, Director of the Department for the Development of Bilateral Cooperation of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.
The organizers of the event expressed optimism that the outcomes and recommendations arising from the Valdai conference will serve "as a significant foundation for expert preparations ahead of the BRICS summit in South Africa, scheduled for August." In light of this objective, experts from China and India have been invited to participate in the African Valdai conference in St. Petersburg. The organizers emphasized the importance of facilitating an exchange of perspectives between Valdai participants and experts from outside the region.
The organizers also highlighted the exceptional importance of the inaugural Russian-African Valdai conference. Its timing on the eve of the Russia-Africa summit, set to commence on July 27, adds to its significance. Consequently, the conference organizers anticipate that the outcomes of the discussions will hold practical relevance and will be conveyed, in some manner, to the leaders of the participating states as they prepare their positions. This expectation is based on the fact that a majority of the Valdai conference guests are "actively engaged in the foreign policy planning processes of their respective countries."
"We view the Valdai conference as a crucial expert-level assessment preceding the high-level political discussions," the club expressed in a press release.
The conference program includes the presentation of a report titled "Russia and Africa: Audit of Relations," prepared by the club's experts a week ago, to coincide with the upcoming summit. The report highlights that the current level of global competition for Africa has reached "unprecedented heights, necessitating careful consideration." The authors emphasize that Russia's geopolitical rivals are now employing "more formidable tactics" to hinder Russian-African cooperation compared to the past.
Specialists have observed that, from the perspective of African states, Russia is seen as an attractive partner with significant potential. However, it is crucial for Moscow to maintain this favorable standing among African countries and capitalize on its versatile advantages. This entails avoiding mere grandiose statements and isolated actions, and instead, pursuing consistent and comprehensive engagement.
Given the competitive landscape for influence in Africa, Valdai experts advocate for the development of a "smart African strategy" complete with a practical roadmap. Such an approach is believed to be essential in ensuring successful outcomes at the conference and, ultimately, during the Russia-Africa summit.
The event's program comprises four thematic sessions, each focusing on crucial aspects of Russia-Africa relations:
"Political Dialogue between Russia and Africa: Mutual Understanding in a Turbulent World": This session will center on the progress of political interactions between Moscow and African nations, building upon the outcomes of the first Russia-Africa summit.
"Economic Relations: Audit of Three Years after the First Russia-Africa Summit": During this session, participants will explore the prospects of economic cooperation and discuss strategies to enhance its effectiveness, reflecting on the developments since the initial Russia-Africa summit.
"Culture, Education, Human Ties: How to Bring Russia and Africa Closer to Each Other": This session will delve into the potential for cultural, educational, and societal connections between Russia and Africa, emphasizing opportunities for further closeness and collaboration in the humanitarian sphere.
"Soviet Legacy in Africa: From the Past to the Future and General Discussion": Experts in this session will examine the utilization of the Soviet legacy in fostering cooperation with Africa, contemplating how it can contribute to future partnerships.
The second Russia-Africa summit and economic forum is slated to take place on July 27-28 in St. Petersburg. This event follows the inaugural summit, which was held in October 2019 in Sochi under the theme "For Peace, Security and Development".
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Based on materials from TASS