Putin: Boosting Ties with Africa Tops Russia’s Priorities

Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed on Thursday that boosting ties with Africa tops Russia’s priorities.

In his word before the 1st plenary session of the African-Russian economic summit, Putin added that Russia will continue its strategic approach based on the consolidation of security and conflict reduction in Africa.

“Russia and Africa share similar stances that allow us to coordinate our international actions," he added.

Addressing at the session, Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El Sisi said that the African continent opens its doors to work with all partners.

He added that Russia is one of the key partners in Africa, adding that the mutual cooperation between them witnessed huge boom since the middle of the last century.

1st African-Russian summit                                   

The first African-Russian summit kicked off, Wednesday in Sochi, Russia under the slogan of “Russia and Africa: Uncovering the Potential for Cooperation”.

The three-day summit is co-chaired by Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

This is the first event of this level in the history of Russian-African relations.

The summit is attended by around 43 African leaders, and a number of major African regional organizations including; “African Union”, “East African Community”, “Economic Community of Central African states”, and “Arab Maghreb Union”.

On the 1st day, Egypt’s president held a series of meetings with African leaders including South Sudanese president Salva Kiir, Chadian President Idriss Deby and Chairman of the African Union (AU) Commission Mr. Moussa Fakih.