Latest news with #AnnaPopova
Business Insider
23-04-2025
- Health
- Business Insider
Africa denied more support as Russia detaches itself from the idea of sending aid
Russia has said it doesn't wish to disburse aid to Africa, noting that it does not want its relationship with the continent to be based on that. This is in light of the recent cutback in USAID, which has been an interesting conversation for several African countries. Russia does not want to disburse aid to Africa, aiming for a mutually beneficial partnership instead of aid dependency Russia has announced plans to disburse aid to Niger to combat a disease affecting pregnant women The narrative of donor dependency in Africa is being challenged, with a focus on sustainability and self-reliance Very recently, Russia relayed its sentiments on giving aid to Africa, which centered around cutting it off in place of a mutually beneficial partnership rather than a system that creates aid dependency. Russia's recent approach to aid provides a stark contrast to Western support and hints at the future of international collaboration with Africa. In an interview with Sputnik Africa, Anna Popova, the director of Russia's Rospotrebnadzor (the country's human welfare authority), said that Russia's strategy for growing its influence in Africa is founded on mutual benefit and long-term empowerment. 'We share our knowledge, experience, technologies, and laboratories so that each country can recognize threats and learn to take the right steps to protect its people from danger. This is fundamentally important. We work for the host country, [...] unlike those who only act in their own interests,' she told Sputnik. This however, may not be all encompassing, given the fact that Russia very recently announced plans to disburse aid to Niger to help combat a disease that affects pregnant women. The NGO "Ensemble Main dans la Main Niger-Russie" (Together Hand in Hand Niger-Russia) has made a large grant to the National Reference Center for Obstetric Fistula in Niamey. The contribution, which includes drugs, food supplies, blankets, and vaccinations, is intended to improve care for women suffering from obstetric fistulas, a medical ailment that disproportionately affects women in impoverished and neglected communities. In 2023, according to Russia's agriculture minister, Dmitry Patrushev, Russia promised to deliver a free shipment of up to 200,000 tonnes of grain to six African countries, as initiated by President Vladimir Putin. For decades, foreign aid has been considered a lifeline for Africa's development, channeling billions of dollars annually into sectors like health, agriculture, and humanitarian support. However, the long-held narrative of donor dependency is increasingly being challenged, not only by African voices but also by international observers and aid partners themselves. A new era focused on sustainability, self-reliance, and mutual respect is gradually replacing. Recent global developments highlight this shift. On January 20, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending all USAID disbursements for 90 days. Early speculation warned of severe consequences for African countries, but many experts argue that the actual impact might be less drastic than presumed. Caitlin Burton, in an exclusive interview with Business Insider Africa, emphasized that the importance of U.S. aid has long been overstated. 'US-supported programs, they often cost 2 or 3 times or even 10 times what they should have cost to deliver just to feed the cottage industry of aid contractors around D.C,' she said. More critically, Burton questioned the effectiveness of many aid programs themselves. 'I think many of the programs weren't that effective, so what Africa is losing in terms of potential impact is also not as significant as it appears on paper,' she added.
Observer
22-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Trade to tourism: Oman-Russia relations on the rise
Oman is home to a growing Russian-speaking community estimated at 2,000–3,000 people, including over 1,000 Russian nationals. According to Dr Igor Egorov, a businessman and long-time Gulf resident who leads the ten-member Board of Russian Compatriots in Oman, the community is increasingly vibrant and diverse. Many Russians have lived in Oman for more than 15 years, drawn by its warm climate, safety, and renowned hospitality. Professionals from Russia are active in sectors such as oil and gas, logistics, real estate, and private investment, with many relocating to attractive freehold areas like Al Mouj and Muscat Bay. The influx is partly driven by economic reforms initiated by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, which have eased the process of setting up businesses and opened doors to foreign investors. Cultural and historical ties between the two nations run deep. One of the most respected biographies of the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, Reformer on the Throne, was written by Russian author and historian Sergey Plekhanov, who lived and passed away in Salalah. A significant number of Omanis have studied in Russian universities, and many continue to speak the language fluently. Interest in learning Russian and studying in Russia is steadily growing, with more young Omanis inquiring about academic opportunities. Supporting this demand is Russian House Oman, an independent organization based in Muscat that connects the two countries through three key areas: culture and tourism, education, and business—particularly trade missions. Led by Anna Popova, Russian House Oman regularly organizes initiatives that foster cultural exchange and bilateral cooperation. One of the most remarkable events to date was the Spring Festival Maslenitsa 2025, held at Al Mouj Muscat's Marsa Plaza. The festival, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the Russian Ministry of Culture, the Government of St. Petersburg, and the Russian Embassy, attracted over 20,000 visitors. Nearly 100 Russian artists participated, including the St. Petersburg Song and Dance Theatre 'Moroshka' and the State Academic Honored Dance Ensemble of Dagestan 'Lezginka.' The event featured traditional music, dance, puppet theater, matryoshka painting, and interactive crafts. Beloved characters from the Soyuzmultfilm studio brought nostalgic joy to families, while Omani SMEs were given a platform to showcase local products. 'We are excited to make Maslenitsa an annual tradition and to bring more events and initiatives to Oman, and expanding them beyond Muscat,' Anna Popova said. Russian businesses are increasingly looking toward Oman, particularly since the Sultanate's recent push to diversify its economy. The nation's neutrality, geographic position, and strong infrastructure make it an appealing gateway to regional markets. Tech companies with Russian roots, such as Yango, are exploring opportunities to expand their services in Oman. Current Russian-Omani business cooperation includes oil and gas technologies, IT, trade, and agricultural commodities. Emerging sectors of interest include real estate development, logistics, and smart infrastructure. These economic ties were further underscored during the current state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to Moscow, at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin. The visit has focused on enhancing strategic cooperation, with both nations expressing strong interest in expanding partnerships in trade, logistics, energy, infrastructure, and tourism. The anticipated signing of a visa waiver agreement is expected to further facilitate business mobility and tourism between the two countries. Beyond business, collaboration in education and scientific research is also gaining momentum. Several Russian universities are in discussions with Omani institutions to establish joint study programmes, research initiatives, and student exchanges. Over 50 young Russian Arabists are currently based in Muscat and Suhar, enhancing their Arabic language skills and contributing to academic exchange. Oman is gaining popularity as a winter destination among Russian travelers, who are traditionally drawn to places like Egypt, Turkey, and the UAE. While Oman currently welcomes around 50,000 Russian visitors annually, this number is expected to grow with the planned introduction of direct flights and visa-free travel agreements between the two countries. Visitors from Russia are consistently impressed by Oman's diverse landscapes, traditional architecture, and unique blend of ocean and mountain environments. The shared cultural values—such as respect for heritage, family, and education—further deepen mutual appreciation. Moreover, Russia's large Muslim population, including Islamic centers in regions like Tatarstan and Chechnya, finds spiritual and cultural resonance in Oman's inclusive environment. Efforts to expand direct flight routes—particularly between Salalah and Russian cities like St. Petersburg—could also promote off-the-beaten-path travel and encourage cultural exploration beyond the capitals. The state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik is set to spur relations between Oman and Russia across a number of economic fronts.
