Putin vows to cement Russia-Africa trade, economy, humanitarian cooperation

Saint Petersburg, July 27, 2023 (FBC) – President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, in his address during the plenary session of the second Russia-Africa Summit underway in Saint Petersburg, vowed to take the trade, economic and humanitarian ties between his country and Africa to the next level.

Putin said the Russia-Africa trade turnover reached 18 billion USD. In 2023, trade in agricultural products between Russia and Africa grew by 60 pct. “Together, we can increase the trade ties drastically.”, said. 

Russia holds a 20pct share of the global wheat market. In the first 6 months 2023, Russia has already exported 10 million tons of grain to Africa, Putin said.

He explained that Russia is ready to provide Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, Somalia, and Eritrea with 25-50 thousand tons of grain each in the next 3-4 months and ensure its free delivery to consumers.

Russia’s oil and gas exports to Africa have increased by 2.6 times, he said, adding that the counry an provide Africa with unique non-energy applications of nuclear technology, including medicine.

The Eurasian Economic Union is ready to share its experiences to the African Continental Free Trade Area platform thereby supporting the continent to boost its trade and investment potentials.

A Russian industrial zone near the Suez Canal in Egypt will soon be launched, and commence exporting its products to countries of the continent, he added.

Russia is ready to develop Africa’s financial infrastructure and connect them to the Russian payment system.

Russia is increasing the export of agricultural equipment, machinery and chemicals to African countries, he said. 

Russia is working under the framework of the UN World Food Programme to help African countries ensure food security, he noted. 

Putin further pledged Russia’s commitment to cement cooperation with African countries in the areas of energy, mining, infrastructure, education, health and ICT sectors.

Putin said that Russia is working with African countries in the mass communication and media sectors particularly in exchange of unbiased information, adding that Russian media are opening their offices in several countries.

Russia is working with African countries to build peaceful nuclear energy plants that are crucial for agricultural purposes, according to Putin.

Russia is ready to boost trade, economic and humanitarian cooperation with Africa with a view to ensure our shared goals, Putin reiterated.

Nearly 35,000 African students are studying in universities of Russia, and their numbers are constantly growing. The quota has increased by 2.5 times and will exceed 4,700 persons next year, the President added.