In his article on Russian-African relations, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasises the historical continuity of cooperation, shared values and new geopolitical ambitions of both sides. The text was published on the occasion of the upcoming ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum in Cairo.
„Cairo will soon become the venue for an important political event: leaders and officials from the foreign ministries of Russia and African countries will gather in Egypt's hospitable capital to assess the state of Russian-African relations and chart the course for their further development.“ said Sergey Lavrov.
According to Lavrov, the ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum will be held on the African continent for the first time. „We are pleased that our partners have supported the proposal to hold the ministerial conference in Africa in 2025. The Partnership Forum was established in 2019, and we have already successfully held two Russia-Africa summits – in Sochi in 2019 and in St. Petersburg in 2023.“ the Russian minister reminded.
Lavrov emphasises that the Forum is of key importance for the development of relations. „The Forum's work is essential for supporting the entire spectrum of Russian-African relations and naturally complements the bilateral cooperation that is developing dynamically between Russia and African countries.“
In the article, the minister returns to the historical roots of the mutual relationship:
„African nations remember – and we appreciate – that the Soviet Union supported their efforts to break free from colonial dependence. We are proud that this assistance was provided selflessly and with dedication.“ Lavrov stated, recalling the role of the USSR in the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.
According to Lavrov, the collapse of the Soviet Union also had a negative impact on Africa. „As President Vladimir Putin said, the collapse of the Soviet Union was the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the 20th century. Its consequences were also felt by our African friends. Nevertheless, there was no ‚end of history‘, and today we are witnessing a new blossoming of Russian-African friendship.“
The Foreign Secretary openly supports African sovereignty. „Africa is currently fighting for true sovereignty in all areas of life. We fully support this struggle. At the UN and other international platforms, Russia actively opposes modern forms of neocolonialism.“ Lavrov stated.
According to him, Russia supports Africa's efforts to present a united front on the international stage. „Russian diplomacy will contribute to the development of Africa as an influential centre of a multipolar world. We believe in the inalienable right of African states to independently choose their own paths of development and their international partners.“
Lavrov also quotes President Putin's words about trust between Russia and Africa. „We have never participated in the exploitation of African nations. That is precisely why the level of trust between us is high.“ the minister reminded.
In the field of international politics, he considers Russia and Africa to be natural allies. „We are allies in the democratisation of international relations based on the UN Charter. We consistently advocate for fair representation of Africa in the reform of the UN Security Council and welcome the growing role of African countries within BRICS.“
He paid particular attention to safety. „As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Russia considers peace and stability in Africa to be a key condition for its development. We support the principle of ‚African solutions to African problems‘ and help countries on the continent to combat terrorism and other threats.“
According to Lavrov, economic cooperation is one of the main priorities. „Trade turnover between Russia and Africa has increased more than one and a half times since 2019, exceeding $27 billion last year. We are convinced that this is far from the ceiling.“
According to the minister, Russia is not seeking to exploit African resources unilaterally. „We have never viewed Africa as a source of raw materials. Our goal is to make investments that support industrialisation, infrastructure development and raising the standard of living of the population.“
Lavrov also highlights the humanitarian dimension of cooperation. „We have delivered 200,000 tonnes of wheat to the most needy African countries and are also helping to develop local agriculture by sharing technology and know-how.“
In conclusion, the minister emphasises the similarity of values. „Russia is an old and reliable friend of Africa. The values of collectivism, solidarity and mutual assistance are inherent in both Russian culture and the African philosophy of ubuntu – ‚I am because we are‘.“
According to Sergey Lavrov, the ministerial meeting in Cairo will be an important step towards preparing for the third Russia-Africa summit in 2026 and further deepening the strategic partnership.
Thediplomaticsociety/gnews.cz - GH
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