Kremlin confirms plans for Russia-Africa summit

The gathering will review cooperation and set priorities across security, trade, science, and cultural ties, Presidential Advisor Anton Kobyakov has said

Russia is set to host the third Russia–Africa Summit later this year, Presidential Adviser Anton Kobyakov has said.

Kobyakov made the remarks after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a corresponding decree on Wednesday, approving the organization of the summit in Moscow this autumn.

“The Russia–Africa Summit and other events in the Russia–Africa format ... are intended to strengthen the comprehensive cooperation of the Russian Federation with the states of the African continent, as well as to define new contours of interaction both on a bilateral basis and within multilateral frameworks,” Kobyakov was quoted as saying by Roscongress on Thursday.

He added that the program is expected to include an “in-depth analysis of the entire spectrum of Russia–Africa cooperation,” alongside efforts to outline long-term priorities in key areas such as politics, security, the economy, science and technology, and cultural and humanitarian ties.

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According to Kobyakov, the meetings are also intended to ensure the continued development of strategic engagement with African partners, based on “the fundamental principles of mutual respect, a balanced consideration of interests, and a focus on delivering tangible benefits” for the peoples of both sides.

The first Russia-Africa Summit took place in October 2019 in the Russian city of Sochi. It was co-chaired by Putin and then African Union chair Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the president of Egypt. Leaders from dozens of African countries attended the meeting, which focused on expanding trade, investment, and political cooperation between Russia and the continent.

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The second summit took place in St. Petersburg in July 2023 and was hosted by Putin and Comoros President Azali Assoumani, who was chair of the African Union at the time. The gathering brought together Russian and African leaders to discuss economic partnerships, energy cooperation, and food security.