Russia Has Military Cooperation Agreements With 33 African States, Russian Presidential Advisor Says

The First Ministerial Conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum began its work on Saturday at the Sirius Federal Territory of Sirius University in Russia’s southern city of Sochi.

To date, Russia has signed military-technical cooperation agreements with 33 African states, Russian presidential advisor and Executive Secretary of the Organizing Committee of the Russia-Africa Ministerial Conference Anton Kobyakov said on the sidelines of the event.

“For Russia, the role of a security provider for the countries of the African continent is a practical, vital necessity. To date, Russia has signed agreements on military-technical cooperation with 33 states on the African continent,” he noted.
Russia plans to increase the share of settlements with African countries in the currencies of friendly countries to 90% by 2030, according to Kobyakov.

“Moreover, we plan to create an independent financial infrastructure for payments by increasing the share of settlements between Russia and Africa in the currencies of friendly countries to 90 percent by 2030,” the presidential aide pointed out.

More statements by Anton Kobyakov:

1. Russia plans to open embassies in the Gambia, Liberia, the Union of the Comoros and Togo, as well as other African countries;

2. Russia will open trade missions in Senegal and Tanzania in the near future;
The West is not interested in resolving conflicts in Africa, but in creating tensions on the continent;

3. Russia recognizes and supports the efforts of African countries to review neocolonial practices;

4. Russia-Africa Ministerial Conference attended by 54 delegations and 45 ministers;
More than 1,500 people take part in the first Russia-Africa Ministerial Conference;

5. Russia-Africa ministerial conferences are planned to be held on a regular basis;

6. Russia is ready to develop cooperation with Africa on a wide range of issues, including security;

7. Over the next few years, the number of African students in Russian higher education institutions is expected to increase to 46,000, up from about 33,000 at present;

8. Russia believes it is necessary to set up direct air links with Africa;

9. Russia plans to open a regional crisis management center in Burundi;

10. Russia plans to cooperate with Rwanda in the field of peaceful nuclear energy;

A number of bilateral agreements, including intergovernmental agreements, will be signed at the Russia-Africa Ministerial Conference.


Source: Sputnik