Africa's role in the international arena is growing and Russia will develop relations with the states of this continent, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday as he welcomed President of Senegal, Chairman of the African Union (AU) Macky Sall and Chairman of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat to his Sochi residence, Bocharov Ruchei.
"Africa's role in the international arena as a whole, politically, is growing. We believe that Africa as a whole and its individual states, with which we traditionally have very good, without any exaggeration friendly relations, have great prospects, and on this basis we intend to further develop our relations with Africa as a whole and with its individual states," the Russian leader said.
"We are at a new stage of development and attach very great importance to our relations with African countries," Putin noted. According to him, following the vector of development of relations between Russia and Africa has positive results. In particular, as the President of the Russian Federation pointed out, the trade turnover is growing. "In the first months of this year it grew by 34%. We are striving to develop humanitarian ties with African countries and we will do everything that depends on us to make this process gain momentum," he specified, adding that Russia has always taken a great interest in African culture.
Putin also pointed out that Russia celebrates important events for the African continent. He mentioned Africa Day recently and the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Senegal. "Soon, in the next few days, you will also celebrate the creation of the African Union," he said. - "In this connection, I would like to recall that our country has always been on the side of Africa, has always supported Africa in its fight against colonialism." The Russian president also recalled that the 2019 Russia-Africa summit was held exactly in Sochi.
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Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS