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Victoria Ruzvidzo in SOCHI, Russia
RUSSIA and Africa should create a more formidable bond to fend off Western machinations bent on destructive tendencies to keep the continent in want.
In a no-holds-barred address at the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum session titled “Russia-Africa: In the struggle for the Truth” here yesterday, Russia’s information and press director in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maria Zakharova attacked the West for its neo-colonial manoeuvres to suppress progress and efforts to scuttle relations between Moscow and Africa.
She said it was time the two partners took relations to a whole new level that would be hard to break.
“Africa and Russia should consolidate their relationship. Our Minister of Foreign Affairs visited the continent recently and we have received delegations of Members of Parliament from Africa, and last year, we hosted 49 out of 54 who took part in the (Russia-Africa Heads of State and Government) Summit and more than 170 agreements were concluded,” she said.
“This is different from the neocolonial tendencies by the West, which seeks to manipulate mindsets. As Russia, this is what makes us different from the neocolonialists. We should stand together and build a stronger Africa.”
The current global financial system spearheaded by the International Monetary Fund, she said, was skewed in favour of funding instability instead of development.
“The voice of Africa should be louder in the international financial system. The colonialists should give back what they squandered.
“The Bretton Woods institutions have directed more than €59 billion towards Kiev to destroy Russia. Fighting against peace and stability instead of financing health and food security issues in Africa. Africa needs this money which is given to the Kiev regime to kill,” she said.
The world needed to have a balanced financial system that would give Africa economic independence instead of being subservient to the West, she added.
These sentiments were also echoed by the adviser to the President and Executive Secretary of the Summit’s organising committee, Mr Kobyakov Anton Anatolyevich, who said there was scope to consolidate Russia and Africa relations for mutual benefit.
“Africa is a young continent. Its resources should be intended for the enrichment of its population instead of transnational companies. It presents huge demographic potential,” said Mr Anatolyevich.
Russia, he said, was making strides to enhance cooperation with Africa in education, trade and commerce, technology and other spheres.
More than 1 200 delegates are attending the First Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, which began here yesterday.
Zimbabwe is represented by Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ambassador Albert Chimbindi and other Government officials.
The two-day summit seeks to cement comprehensive cooperation between Russia and African countries in politics, security, and scientific, cultural and technology issues, among others.
It is the culmination of last year’s Russia-Africa Summit, where Heads of State and Government made a commitment to consolidate existing partnerships while establishing others.
The ministerial conferences are a platform for regular dialogue between the continent and Russia.
Issues up for discussion include youth participation, e-governance, industrial and educational partnerships, and trade and economics.
A number of agreements are expected to be signed.
The summit ends today.
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter