Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Thursday that Russia has established military cooperation agreements with 45 African countries. Additionally, Russia provides training for security and defense specialists within its institutions and universities. This announcement was made during the second and final day of the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow. The summit, themed "Peace, Security, and Development," aims to strengthen ties between Russia and African nations.
The economic relationship between Russia and Africa has seen significant growth, with bilateral trade exceeding $27 billion. However, Putin noted that this figure does not fully reflect the economic potential between the two parties. A notable aspect of their economic interaction is that over 85% of Russian-African transactions are conducted in rubles and local currencies. This approach helps protect their trade from external interference and political fluctuations.
Russia's exports of fertilizers to Africa have reached 51 million tons, highlighting the potential for agricultural cooperation. Putin suggested that the adoption of modern agricultural technology could enable Africa to achieve food self-sufficiency and become a global food supplier. He expressed Russia's readiness to assist Africa in this endeavor. This cooperation could significantly impact Africa's agricultural sector and food security.
The educational sector also features prominently in Russia's engagement with Africa. Currently, more than 40,000 African students are enrolled in Russian universities. Educational centers for teaching the Russian language and culture have been established in Africa. These initiatives aim to foster deeper cultural and educational ties between Russia and African nations.
The Russia-Africa summit has also facilitated advancements in technological cooperation. A key announcement is the launch of a Russian-African partnership in the field of artificial intelligence. Furthermore, there are plans to expand initiatives related to Russian digital services. This technological collaboration is expected to open new avenues for cooperation between the two.
In a significant diplomatic move, Russia has enhanced its presence in Africa by opening eight new embassies since the previous summit. This brings the total number of Russian embassies in Africa to 48. The expansion of diplomatic missions underscores Russia's commitment to strengthening its relations with African countries.
The current Russia-Africa summit, held in Moscow under the theme "Peace, Security, and Development," marks the third such gathering. Previous summits took place in Sochi in 2019 and St. Petersburg in 2023. The summit serves as a platform for Russia and Africa to discuss and enhance their cooperation across various sectors.
Key points
- Russia has military cooperation agreements with 45 African countries.
- Bilateral trade between Russia and Africa exceeds $27 billion.
- Over 40,000 African students are currently studying in Russian universities.
