The first meeting of the Secretariat of the Russia—Africa Partnership
Forum’s Public Council took place on 2 November. Among those taking part in the
video conference were Oleg Ozerov, Ambassador-at-Large and Head of the
Secretariat of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum; Evgeny Primakov, Head of
the Public Council and Rossotrudnichestvo; Alexander Yakovenko, Rector of the
Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian
Federation; a number of State Duma deputies; Armen Khachatryan, Programme
Director at the Roscongress Foundation; figures from business and society; and
religious leaders. The attendees examined a range of specific issues facing the
Public Council as it looks to implement the decisions made at the inaugural
Russia—Africa Summit, which took place in Sochi in October 2019. Preparations
for the next high-level Russian-African meeting also came under the spotlight,
with the future event aiming to focus on fostering and broadening humanitarian
ties with countries across the continent.
Key aspects related to boosting cooperation between Russia and African
nations were also discussed in detail, with culture, science, and public ties
all being covered. The final declaration and other documents emerging from the
first Russia—Africa Summit served as a basis for these discussions. Attendees
also examined measures to improve the efficiency and fully unlock the potential
of a system put in place to aid interaction between Russia’s Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, Rossotrudnichestvo, the Russkiy Mir Foundation, various
stakeholders, public organizations, youth organizations, and sporting
organizations. In addition, the participants looked at ways of developing
religious ties with African nations.
The Secretariat of the Russia—Africa Partnership Forum was established
under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. Its Public
Council aims to further strengthen humanitarian ties with African nations. In
order for this to happen, members of the meeting stressed the importance of coordinating
actions from the Russian side in an efficient manner.
