Morocco's Head of Government Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri represented King Mohammed VI at the third Russia-Africa Summit, held in Moscow. The summit brought together African delegations and Russian officials to strengthen cooperation across strategic sectors. El Mansouri arrived in Moscow earlier on the same day and was warmly received at the airport. She was greeted with a bouquet of flowers and sampled traditional refreshments during the welcoming ceremony.
El Mansouri wore an elegant golden Moroccan caftan to the Kremlin reception, featuring intricate Makhzani-style embroidery and a matching belt. The traditional attire brought a distinctly Moroccan touch to the formal diplomatic setting. At the reception, she shook hands and exchanged a few words with Putin. The Moroccan delegation to the summit also included Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Morocco's Ambassador to Russia, Lotfi Bouchaara.
The third Russia-Africa Summit aims to enhance cooperation between Russia and African states across several strategic sectors, including trade, investment, energy, agriculture, and technology. The forum opened with the participation of representatives from African countries that are members of the United Nations. This week's gathering drew delegations from 48 countries, with 22 African leaders attending in person.
Addressing the forum, Putin presented Russia as Africa's best partner and accused the Western world of continuing to exploit the continent's resources and using debt to hold back its development. He noted that Africa is increasingly asserting itself as a key player in global economics and politics. Putin framed the summit as part of a broader global transformation and an end to Western domination.
Putin argued that the era of entire continents having their destinies determined by a narrow bloc of states is coming to an end. He described the multipolar world as a reality that is both objective and irreversible. Putin presented Russia as ready to share its know-how, including digital expertise, and to localize production rather than simply buy raw materials.
The summit marks a renewed Kremlin effort to deepen ties with a continent of nearly 1.6 billion people, whose 54 nations form the largest voting bloc at the United Nations. Over the two days, Putin is expected to hold one-on-one talks with many of the African leaders present on issues such as trade, security, arms, and grain. On food security, Putin noted that Russia delivers grain and fertilizers to more than 40 African countries and stands ready to expand supplies.
Key points
- El Mansouri represented King Mohammed VI at the third Russia-Africa Summit.
- The summit aims to enhance cooperation between Russia and African states across strategic sectors.
- Putin presented Russia as Africa's best partner and accused the Western world of exploiting the continent's resources.
