Russia-Africa Partnership Forum : Leaders Lay Foundation For Greater Opportunities

Cooperation ties between Russia and Africa especially within the context of the implementation of the plan of action of the partnership forum 2023-2026 are expected to experience fresh impetus. This again is due to the laying of a solid foundation for greater opportunities by Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Heads of specialised and intergration agencies of the continent during the First Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum held in Sochi from November 9-10, 2024. The high level meeting is a build-up on the last Russia-Africa Summit and sets the path for new paths. Cameroon's Minister of External Relations, Mbella Mbella led the Cameroonian delegation to the Sochi meeting. Encouraging sustainable development through strengthening partnerships in trade, scientific research, countering terrorism and violent extremism, reducing digital divide gaps, infrastructural development, improving health care and youth empowerment amongst others are some of the areas to experience a boost. Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov chaired the first plenary session of the conference on November 10, 2024 at the Sirius Federal Territory. He also read the welcome address of the Russian Federation President, Vladimir Putin at the gathering.
In the adress, President Putin acknowledges the growing respect enjoyed by African countries on the global scene and appreciated their pursuit for constructive peace as well as role played in addressing vital issues on the international agenda. "Russia on its part attaches special importance to the strengthening of traditional ties with African partners. The cooperation between Russia and African States is becoming more and more rich and versatile," notes President Putin's adresse to the delegates.  To the Russian leader, the comprehensive agenda of the Ministerial Conference not only considers various aspects of the plan of implementation of the partnership for 2023-2026, but will also outline new areas of mutually-beneficial coope...