Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Friday that his country has signed agreements for military cooperation with more than 40 African countries. The announcement came during the second and final day of the second Russia-Africa Summit held in St Petersburg.
In his address, President Putin emphasized the importance of strengthening the defense capabilities of African nations and forging partnerships in military and military-technical cooperation. He revealed that Russia has been providing a wide range of weapons and technology to these countries, with some deliveries offered on a gratuitous basis to enhance security and sovereignty.
Furthermore, as part of the cooperation, representatives from African countries have been invited to actively participate in Russia-organized military forums, where they can familiarize themselves with the technical aspects of the equipment and its usage.
President Putin also highlighted Russia’s commitment to assisting African nations in their efforts to free themselves from the “vestiges of colonialism.” This indicates Russia’s intention to deepen its engagement in the region, both militarily and diplomatically.
The summit also addressed economic cooperation, with President Putin reiterating Russia’s commitment to being a reliable supplier of grain to African countries. This move aims to bolster Russia’s presence in Africa’s agricultural sector.
To facilitate stronger diplomatic ties, Russia is planning to open new consulates and embassies across the African continent while increasing the staffing in existing diplomatic representations. The move comes as Russia has seen some of its personnel leaving Western countries due to tensions, including suspicions of espionage.
During the summit, President Putin sought to demonstrate that Russia is not isolated on the international stage. A summit declaration and press conference were scheduled to be held on Friday, further cementing the outcomes of the conference.
According to the Kremlin, the second Russia-Africa Summit saw a representation of 49 out of 54 countries on the continent, with 17 being heads of state or government. This attendance indicates a slightly lower turnout of leaders compared to the inaugural summit in 2019.
(With inputs from agencies)
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