Putin commends AU’s role in enhancing multilateral cooperation

Addis Ababa, February 18, 2023 (FBC) – President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin has sent greetings to the Heads of State and Government of Africa and participants of the Summit on the occasion of the opening of the Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union.

“Over the years, the African Union has proven to be an effective mechanism of multilateral political, economic and humanitarian cooperation. This authoritative international structure plays an important role in managing local conflicts and crises, enhancing good-neighborliness, security and stability on the African continent,” the President said.

“For Russia, the African States have always been and remain important and reliable partners. We are united by the aspiration to build a just multipolar world order based on genuine equality and rule of international law, free from any forms of discrimination, coercive dictatorship and sanction pressure,” the President said in his message.

The first ever 2019 Russia – Africa Summit created favorable conditions for the invigoration of our traditionally friendly ties – on the bilateral as well as multilateral level, Putin added.

“I am positive that the second summit to be held in such format in St. Petersburg this July will allow setting new tasks of enhanced interaction between the Russian Federation and African partners on most various tracks, including in addressing acute regional and international agenda items.”

“I look forward to seeing you in St. Petersburg, hoping for further joint constructive work for the benefit of our countries and people in the interests of safe and peaceful development of the African continent,” Putin added.