Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for stronger cooperation with African countries, as Moscow seeks to expand its influence across the continent.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day Africa-Russia Summit in Moscow on Wednesday, October 28, V. Putin said the world was moving towards a multipolar order in which all nations should have a voice in international affairs.
He called for greater African representation in decision-making at the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to ensure that the continent’s needs were addressed. The President Putin also said Russia supplied grain and fertilizers to more than 40 african countries and was ready to increase deliveries.
The Summit brought together representatives from 48 african countries, including about 20 national leaders, as Russia seeks to strengthen its economic, security and political ties with the continent.
The meeting is part of Moscow’s broader efforts to deepen relations with Africa, which has 54 countries and represents the largest voting bloc at the United Nations. Russia first hosted this kind of Summit in Sotchi, in 2019, followed by a second meeting in 2023, in St-Petersburg.