adminIn a statement yesterday, Mr Putin described the occasion as a milestone.
“The creation of this unique structure half a century ago became an important milestone on the road of people of Africa towards ensuring peace, security, stability, mutual understanding and good neighbourhood on the continent,” said Mr Putin.
“The African Union is an efficient mechanism of multi-lateral political, economic and humanitarian co-operation, as well as of co-ordination of its members’ actions in the international arena. Russia appreciates the constructive role of this Pan African organisation in regional and international affairs, support its efforts aimed at addressing key issues of crisis management, peacekeeping, post-conflict reconstruction and sustainable socio-economic development.”
The Russian president said his country wanted to cultivate a relationship with continental and international blocs.
“We are interested in building partnership with the African Union, including in the framework of the UN, the G-8, the G-20, the BRICS and other international fora, and in the all round strengthening of the traditionally friendly relations with all countries of the African continent.
“I wish every success to the leaders of African states and to all the participants of the Anniversary Summit, as well as peace and prosperity to people of Africa.”
The AU is expected to honour posthumously Zimbabwean veteran nationalists and heroes, Father Zimbabwe Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo and the late Zanu national chairman, Cde Herbert Chitepo for their role in securing independence not only to Zimbabwe but across the African continent.
VP Nkomo died in July 1999 while Cde Chitepo was assassinated by Rhodesian security forces in Zambia in March 1975.
As part of the programme on the occasion of its Golden Jubilee celebrations, the AU will honour continental and Diaspora African heroes, among them Osagyefo, Dr Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, Oliver Tambo of South Africa, Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Haile Selassie of Ethiopia and William Du Bois.
Online Reporter