Putin Congratulates African Leaders on Africa Day

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory telegram to the heads of state and government of African countries on the occasion of Africa Day, according to the Kremlin official website.

"This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity. For decades, this representative international organisation had played a crucial role in the development of multilateral dialogue and cooperation. Its good traditions are currently carried on by the African Union, within which all states on the continent are actively interacting. Thanks to their joint efforts, it was possible to establish mechanisms of collective response to local crises and launch processes of regional integration in various formats. This, undoubtedly, facilitates the social and economic development of Africa, and increases its role in international affairs," Russian President said in the telegram. 

Moreover, Putin shedlight on how Russia has always attached particular importance to strengthening friendly relations with its African partners, stressing that first-ever Russia-Africa Summit in 2019 gave a boost to ties in many areas.

Furthermore, the Russian President also expressed confidence that the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit, which is set to be held in July in St. Petersburg, would help outline new tasks that aim to expand constructive cooperation between Russia and its African partners in political, trade and economic, scientific and technical, humanitarian, and other areas.