The Second Summit and Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum concluded successfully with Mr. Vladimir Putin, Russian President, announcing plans to strengthen foreign policy coordination and increase trade and investment flows between Russia and Africa.
During the closing speech at the second plenary session, President Putin highlighted the constructive exchange of views on various themes of strategic cooperation between Russia and African countries.
Both parties identified key areas for joint work, including industrial cooperation, foreign policy coordination, and increased trade and investment.
The Summit gathered official delegations from 48 countries, showcasing the commitment to the African continent's progress and prosperity.
Mr. Putin expressed his satisfaction with the Summit's outcomes, emphasizing that the achievements would lay a strong foundation for deepening the Russian-African partnership for mutual benefit and the well-being of their people.
The Summit resulted in the adoption of five significant documents, including the Declaration of the Second Russia-Africa Summit and the Declaration on Cooperation to Ensure International Information Security.
Other essential agreements encompassed the prevention of an arms race in outer space and combating terrorism.
Two crucial Memorandums of Understanding were also signed between the Russian Government and leading African integration associations, namely the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).
These agreements demonstrate the commitment to fostering cooperation and relations between the parties.
The Forum saw the signing of 161 agreements, primarily focused on humanitarian cooperation.
Although the exact value of the agreements remains undisclosed, they promise to address crucial humanitarian and technological challenges in the region.
Under the business program of the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, discussions centered on unleashing the potential of Russian-African cooperation.
Additionally, the inclusion of a humanitarian dimension added value to the traditional political and economic focuses.
The plenary session witnessed the presence of prominent figures, including President Putin, Mr. Azali Assoumani, Chairperson of the African Union, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank, and New Development Bank President Dilma Rousseff.
The event was skillfully moderated by Irina Abramova, Director of the Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Anton Kobyakov, Adviser to the Russian President and Executive Secretary of the Organizing Committee for the Russia-Africa events, lauded the practical proposals generated during this year's Forum, particularly in the humanitarian and technological spheres.
With more than 9,000 participants and media representatives from 104 foreign states and territories joining, the event marked a significant success in advancing the Russia-Africa partnership.
The Second Summit and Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum demonstrated the commitment of both Russia and Africa to strengthen strategic cooperation and investment, forging a path towards a brighter future for the continent.