The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, promised full support for African countries, reported France Presse, quoted by BTA.
These assurances were made on the occasion of a ministerial-level conference between Russian and African representatives taking place today in Sochi.
“Our country will continue to provide full support to our African friends in various fields,” Putin said in an address to forum participants read by Russia’s number one diplomat, Sergei Lavrov.
The support will be both in the field of sustainable development and in the fight against terrorism and extremism, epidemics, solving livelihood problems or dealing with the consequences of natural disasters, Putin’s statement said.
The Sochi conference is a follow-up to the two Russia-Africa summits that took place in 2019. and in 2023 respectively in Sochi and St. Petersburg.
According to Lavrov, thanks to the pace set by these two summits, Russian-African relations will strengthen even more.
“We see progress on all axes of cooperation,” Lavrov stated at today’s forum in Sochi.
For several years, Russia, which was an indispensable player in Africa during the Soviet era, has been increasing its influence in African countries, where Russian rhetoric against neo-colonialism and for a more just world order resonates with a large number of African leaders.
Time.news Interview: A Conversation on Russia’s Support for Africa with Dr. Elena Koroleva
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Koroleva. It’s a pleasure to have you here to discuss a significant recent development in international relations. President Vladimir Putin has stated that Russia will provide unwavering support for African countries. What do you think prompted this commitment from Russia?
Dr. Elena Koroleva (Expert on International Relations): Thank you for having me! Putin’s promise of support to African nations can be attributed to several factors. First, Russia is keen to re-establish itself as a significant player on the global stage, particularly as Western influence in Africa has been strong. Secondly, there’s a growing interest in Africa’s vast natural resources and potential markets for Russian goods and services.
Interviewer: That makes a lot of sense. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in diplomatic engagements between Russia and various African countries. Do you see this as a strategic move to counter Western influence, specifically from the U.S. and the EU?
Dr. Koroleva: Absolutely. Russia’s outreach to Africa can be seen as part of a broader strategy to diversify its international partnerships and diminish Western dominance. By building ties with African countries, Russia is not only expanding its economic and military presence, but it is also positioning itself as a reliable ally for nations looking for alternatives to Western-led frameworks.
Interviewer: What areas of cooperation do you think Russia is focusing on when it comes to supporting African countries?
Dr. Koroleva: There are several key areas of cooperation. Economically, Russia is looking at investing in sectors like energy, mining, and agriculture. Militarily, there’s an active engagement in arms sales and training programs for African forces. Additionally, Russia is also interested in educational exchanges and cultural cooperation, which help in cementing long-term relationships.
Interviewer: Speaking of military engagements, there have been reports of Russia’s involvement in various conflicts across Africa, often through private military contractors like the Wagner Group. How do you think this affects the perception of Russia in Africa?
Dr. Koroleva: The presence of contractors like the Wagner Group can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, some governments view these groups as valuable resources for handling internal security issues and countering insurgencies. On the other hand, there’s a rising concern and scrutiny from international bodies regarding human rights abuses linked to these forces, which could tarnish Russia’s image if not handled carefully.
Interviewer: In light of Russia’s growing presence, how do you think African leaders are balancing their relationships with both Russia and Western powers?
Dr. Koroleva: African leaders are becoming increasingly adept at maneuvering between powers to secure their national interests. Many view engagement with Russia as an opportunity to gain leverage in negotiations with the West. The key for many African nations is not to rely solely on one partner but to cultivate a multi-faceted foreign policy that allows them to play powers off against one another for better deals.
Interviewer: That’s an interesting point. As someone who studies these international dynamics, what do you predict for the future of Russia-Africa relations?
Dr. Koroleva: I expect that Russia will continue to deepen its involvement in Africa, driven by economic interests and a desire to expand its geopolitical influence. However, the success of this relationship will depend on how effectively Russia addresses the concerns of African nations regarding transparency, human rights, and sustainable development. If they can present themselves as genuine partners rather than opportunists, this relationship could flourish.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Koroleva, for your insights. This certainly sheds light on the complexities of international relations and the evolving dynamics between Russia and African nations.
Dr. Koroleva: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing this important topic.