Russian President: Necessity of building a multipolar world system free from dictates and double standards

Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed on Thursday that Russia and Africa are “natural allies in building a multipolar world order, free from dictates and double standards, and based on respect for international law and the principles of the UN Charter,” emphasizing his country’s commitment to supporting the sovereignty of African nations and strengthening political and economic cooperation with them.

Speaking at the second plenary session of the Third Russia-Africa Summit held in Moscow under the theme “For Peace, Security, and Development,” Putin stated that the two sides share close ties of friendship and partnership, noting that the participation of representatives from nearly 50 African countries at the summit reflects the continent’s desire to develop its relations with Moscow. He added that “Russia’s and African countries’ positions on major international issues are similar or identical,” and affirmed that his country will continue working with its African partners to support their independence and sovereignty and enhance their economic and social capacities.

On economic matters, Putin clarified that “trade turnover between Russia and African countries exceeded $27 billion last year, representing a 1.5-fold increase compared to the level at the time of the previous summit,” pointing out that the potential for developing trade and investment relations between the two sides remains greater than current levels.

On the other hand, the Russian president stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation in energy, peaceful uses of nuclear energy, mining, industry, logistics, and tourism, noting that Russian companies are implementing projects in several African countries. He added that “Moscow is interested in transferring certain industries and production lines to African countries, especially in light of external pressures and sanctions,” indicating that Russian companies are seeking, as he described, to establish partnerships based on equality and respect, technology and expertise transfer, and the involvement of local contractors, thereby contributing to job creation and supporting African economies.

In the field of food security, Putin affirmed that Russia continues to supply food and agricultural products to African markets, expressing his belief that the African continent possesses the potential to achieve future food self-sufficiency and become one of the main food exporters.

Regarding financial transactions, the Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported that the ruble’s share in trade operations between Russia and African countries reached 85 percent, while Putin stressed the importance of developing financial cooperation and enhancing trade settlement channels between the two sides.

As for political matters, he reaffirmed his country’s support for “strengthening Africa’s representation in the UN Security Council to achieve greater justice in representation,” pointing out Moscow’s contribution to efforts to resolve existing conflicts and prevent new ones from erupting on the African continent. He also expressed his support for the decisions by Botswana, Seychelles, and Togo to open diplomatic missions in Moscow, considering that enhancing diplomatic representation contributes to the development of bilateral relations.

For his part, African Union Chairperson and President of Burundi, Evariste Ndayishimiye, stated that “African countries did not come to the summit to ask Russia for help, but to develop relations with it,” affirming that Moscow has always been a friend to the continent.

The summit is expected to discuss the adoption of a final declaration and an action plan for the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum for the period 2027-2029, as well as a declaration on cooperation in civil applications of artificial intelligence technologies, in addition to signing agreements in multiple fields. (End) D.A.N./A.B.Kh.