Latest news with #RussiaAfricaRelations
Russia Today
27-05-2025
- Business
- Russia Today
Moscow calls for greater African media presence
Russia would welcome a greater presence of African media outlets in the interests of balance, Tatyana Dovgalenko, the head of the Department for Partnership with Africa of the Russian Foreign Ministry, has said. Dovgalenko made the statement during the opening of the African Horizons international forum in Moscow. The event, organized by the news agency African Initiative and the African Business Club, was held on May 24-26 to mark Africa Day. It brought together diplomats, business leaders, academics, and diaspora members. In a video address to participants, Dovgalenko noted that practical cooperation between Russia and African countries is progressing steadily across political, economic, and humanitarian spheres. She emphasized that the media plays a pivotal role in supporting this momentum, particularly by offering audiences a fair representation of international events. 'We are counting on the presence of African media in Russia to expand,' the diplomat stated. Russian media outlets, she said, are contributing to this by broadcasting in more than 40 African nations. 'We [Russia] will continue to support the consolidation of the continent's position as an independent center of power within the emerging multipolar world order,' she concluded. Earlier this month, Dovgalenko highlighted the historical foundations of Russia-Africa relations, noting that these ties are not recent developments but are rooted in the Soviet Union's backing of African liberation movements during the decolonization era. She also underscored Moscow's approach to partnership with Africa, contrasting it with that of other global powers. According to Dovgalenko, Russia does not treat Africa as a battleground for geopolitical rivalry, but as a space for equal and mutually beneficial cooperation. She stated that unlike some external actors, Russia refrains from pressuring African nations into taking sides or aligning with specific blocs. 'We respect their sovereignty and national interests not in words, but in deeds,' she stressed.
Russia Today
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
Through joint efforts we will ensure expansion of Russia-Africa ties
Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended his regards to the heads of state across Africa on the occasion of Africa Day, expressing confidence that joint efforts will lead to the further strengthening of Russia-Africa relations, the Kremlin press service reported on Sunday. 'I am confident that through joint efforts we will ensure the further expansion of multifaceted Russian-African ties for the benefit of our peoples, in the interests of building a fair and democratic multipolar world order,' the president stated. 'This year is marked by anniversaries: the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the formation of the United Nations, as well as the 65th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples,' Putin noted. He emphasized that the defeat of Nazism and the dismantling of the colonial system were among the defining events of the 20th century, enabling nations around the world to pursue peaceful and independent development. The Russian president also praised the progress made by African countries since gaining independence, saying they had 'achieved recognized success in the economic and social spheres.' He underscored the role of the African Union and regional organizations in promoting security and stability on the continent. Putin reiterated that Russia has consistently advocated for deepening traditionally friendly relations with African nations. 'This is fully evidenced by the Russia-Africa summits held in 2019 and 2023, which made it possible to identify new areas of cooperation and facilitated the coordination of efforts in international affairs,' the president added. The statement also included an announcement that the next ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership forum is scheduled to take place later this year in an African country. On the same day, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that 'today, our relations are developing on an upward trajectory, and building a truly strategic partnership with Africa is one of the priorities of Russia's foreign policy.' Africa Day is celebrated on May 25 to commemorate the establishment of the Organization of African Unity, now the African Union, in 1963.
