admin
MOSCOW. – Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke at the plenary session of the second Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum.
He noted that the forum’s specialised sessions on energy, logistics and transport, agriculture, finance, healthcare are considering promising ideas and proposals for new joint mutually beneficial projects and commercial contracts.
The head of state stressed that Africa’s potential is obvious to everyone.
“The continent’s average annual GDP growth rate over the last 20 years has been 4-4.5 per cent higher than the world average, and its population is approaching 1.5 billion people. Russia, represented by official bodies, business, and the community, is sincerely interested in further deepening multifaceted trade, investment, and humanitarian ties with the continent”
“At the end of last year, the Russian-African trade turnover reached US$18 billion. In the first half of this year, the volume of export-import operations with African countries increased by more than a third,” added the president.
He also noted Russia’s significant role in supplying the African continent with necessary foodstuffs. The Russian Federation will continue to pay attention to the supply of grain crops to African countries, including through the UN food programme.
“The figures speak for themselves: last year trade in agricultural products between Russia and African countries grew by 10 per cent to US$6.7 billion. And in January-June this year it increased by another record 60 percent,” said the Russian leader.
Mr Putin also spoke about this year’s excellent harvest, adding that Russia will soon be ready to provide Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Eritrea, Central African Republic with 25-50 thousand tonnes of grain by delivering these products free of charge to consumers.
He noted that the Russian Federation additionally intends to assist Africa in implementing the most advanced technologies in agriculture: “For its part, Russia is ready to share with African countries expertise in the field of agricultural production.”
In addition, Putin informed about the preparation of about 30 energy projects with the participation of Russia in Africa. The President noted that Russia is interested in developing relations in this area. The head of state emphasised that Russian companies are currently implementing new mutually beneficial projects aimed at meeting the growing needs of the economies of developing countries for fuel and generating capacities, at providing Africans with access to inexpensive and reliable, sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sources.
The President also mentioned that the Russian Federation is ready to develop Africa’s financial infrastructure, including connecting them to the Russian payment system.
The second Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum is being attended by 49 delegations from African countries and regional associations. – BRICS TV
Online Reporter