African representatives plan on attending first ministerial forum in Russia
Date
10/17/2024 3:23:16 AM
(MENAFN) The inaugural ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa partnership forum is set to take place next month in Sochi, uniting senior officials from key African ministries, the African Union Commission, regional organizations, and business leaders alongside their Russian counterparts. The event is scheduled for November 9-10 and aims to advance the collaborative initiatives outlined during the second Russia-Africa Summit held last summer in Saint Petersburg, according to the organizing committee.
This two-day forum will focus on a range of critical areas, including defense, trade, education, healthcare, and food security, as noted by the Roscongress Foundation. Participants will engage in discussions centered around enhancing cooperation in fields such as security, economic development, and humanitarian interactions. Topics will also cover international information security, counter-terrorism efforts, and the prevention of an arms race in space, in addition to fostering trade, economic, and investment partnerships.
A particular emphasis will be placed on strengthening ties between African nations and the Eurasian Economic Union, highlighting the strategic interests of both regions.
In recent years, Moscow has actively sought to bolster its relationships with African countries, especially as many states on the continent reassess their connections with former colonial powers. Western nations, notably the United States and France, have expressed concerns over Russia's expanding influence, particularly in nations such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. These three countries, previously under French colonial rule, have established security agreements with Moscow to combat a persistent jihadist insurgency that has proven challenging for Western military forces over the past decade.
The upcoming forum underscores a significant shift in international partnerships as African nations explore new alliances to address pressing challenges in security and development.
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