The Russian city of Sochi will host the 1st Russian-African Summit, co-chaired by President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the current president of the African Union (AU).
The summit activities are set to take place between 22 and 24th of October 2019. The event will bring together all of Africa's heads of states and the heads of major regional organisations.
Sochi-A historic summit
This is the first event of this level in the history of Russian-African relations.
The idea to hold a Russia-Africa forum was initiated by President Putin at the BRICS (Brazil، Russia، India، China and South Africa) summit in Johannesburg in July 2018.
This first Russia-Africa summit will definitely enhance mutual multifaceted ties، reshape diplomatic relationship and significantly to roll-out ways to increase effectiveness of cooperation between Russia and Africa.
Sochi’s summit promises to be exceptional as Africa renewed confidence in Russia’s constructive leadership. African countries seek strategic partnership and vow to enhance cooperation to new levels.
Expected participants
The summit is expected to be attended by a large number of African heads of states as well as leaders of major subregional associations and organisations.
Thirty-five countries have already confirmed their participation, and many African leaders will be in attendance.
Among those announced are Angola’s President João Lourenço, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, Côte d’Ivoire’s Alassane Ouattara, Mali’s Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) Félix Tshisekedi, Madagascar’s Andry Rajoelina, and others.
The Summit Agenda
At the summit, special attention will be paid to the current state and prospects of Russia's relations with African countries and to the expansion of the political, economic, technical and cultural cooperation.
It is planned to discuss a wide range of issues on the international agenda, including joint response to new challenges and threats, and strengthening of the regional stability.
At the end of the meeting, the participants are to adopt a political declaration on the key areas of Russian-African cooperation.
On October 23, the leaders of Russia and Egypt will also open an economic forum attended by Russian and African officials and representatives of major businesses.
A package of trade, economic and investment agreements is expected to be signed following the high-level forum.
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