By Daniel Itai
Russian President, Vladimir Putin has made a significant commitment to support Africa in its fight against food insecurity.
Ahead of the Russia Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, scheduled to be held in St. Petersburg on 27th and 28th July, Putin emphasized the crucial role of uninterrupted food supplies for the socio-economic development of the African continent.
“I want to assure you that our country is fully capable of providing African nations with both commercial and free-of-charge grain, especially as we anticipate another record harvest this year to bolster our efforts,” said Putin.
Furthermore, Russia values and is committed to enhancing the entire spectrum of economic ties with Africa, including individual States, regional integration associations, and the African Union.
Putin welcomed the African Union’s strategic direction towards greater economic integration and the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
He expressed Russia’s readiness to establish pragmatic and mutually beneficial relations, even within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union.
Related Posts
Moreover, Russia aims to intensify cooperation with other regional integration organizations on the African continent.
Putin proudly noted that Russia’s trade turnover with African countries saw remarkable growth in 2022, reaching almost US$18 billion.
However, he acknowledged that there is still untapped potential for further expanding trade and economic partnerships.
The recent withdrawal of Russia from the United Nations-brokered Black Sea Initiative was also mentioned. This initiative intended to have Ukraine send its grain through the Black Sea to other states, including African countries.
Russia’s decision to withdraw was driven by the insistence on lifting sanctions on its grain and fertilizer exports to global markets and removing obstacles for Russian financial institutions, including their reconnection to the SWIFT payment system.
The current conflict between Russia and Ukraine over the Donbass region has led to grain shortages, exacerbating food security concerns due to both countries’ significant roles in ensuring food supplies.
President Putin’s commitment to provide free grain and fertilizers to Africa and the country’s dedication to enhancing economic ties illustrate Russia’s proactive approach to supporting food security and economic growth on the African continent.
