The first meeting of the Russia—Africa Partnership Forum Coordination Council (CC) took place on 27 October via video conference. The event brought together Deputy Foreign Minister and Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa Mikhail Bogdanov; Ambassador-at-Large and Head of the Secretariat of the Russia—Africa Partnership Forum Oleg Ozerov; Head of the CC, CEO and Chairman of the Roscongress Foundation Alexander Stuglev; Director of the Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences Irina Abramova, as well as representatives of the Association of Economic Cooperation with African States and leading companies, members of the Russian ministries and business organizations.
Discussions focused on further gradual development of the centuries-long Russian-African relations in accordance with the resolutions of the first Russia—Africa Summit that took place in Sochi in October 2019. Covered topics included preparations for the next summit in 2022, approving various roadmaps and plans, detailing the cooperation mechanisms between relevant parties coordinated by the Secretariat of the Russia—Africa Partnership Forum, formed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after the summit in Sochi. Additionally, economic consolidation tasks and joint projects in Africa that fall under the jurisdiction of the CC and the Association of Economic Cooperation with African States have been examined.
According to Mr. Bogdanov, Russia offers a unique approach. At its core lies the country’s focus on fostering cooperation with the African partners guided by the motto of the first Russia—Africa summit: «For Peace, Security and Development». The motto has received a lot of support among the Africans. CC’s principal mission is to outline priority opportunities for cooperation with Africa and facilitate efficient interdepartmental cooperation, including the preparations for the next Russia—Africa summit.
In his turn, Alexander Stuglev emphasized that the Roscongress Foundation promotes African agenda within its key events. The foundation’s competences and ample international contacts will help take cooperation between Russian and African business, political, and expert communities to a new level.
As part of the Coordination Council meeting, the Association of Economic Cooperation with African States and TASS News Agency signed a cooperation agreement for further promotion of the Russia—Africa agenda.
The participants spoke about Africa’s growing role in both international relations and the global economic system. They underscored the importance of the dynamic development of Russian-African relations, as well as the historic role Russia plays in decolonization and fostering independence of the African states.
Source: www.mid.ru/
