Russia-Africa partnership among top priorities – Putin adviser

Anton Kobyakov believes that cooperation within the “framework of business events” will boost relations between Moscow and the continent

Russia is actively developing partnerships with African countries and this remains a top foreign policy priority for Moscow, Anton Kobyakov, an adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, has said.

Kobyakov made the remarks during a meeting with Igor Morozov, chairman of the Coordinating Committee for Economic Cooperation with African Countries (AFROCOM), according to a press release published by Russia’s Roscongress Foundation on Thursday.

“Intensifying partnership relations between Russia and African countries is one of the priorities for our country’s leadership today. I firmly believe that joint work as part of business events in Russia and Africa will strengthen our relations and identify new growth points for the near future. Russia is open to dialogue in all areas,” Kobyakov stated.

He added that Moscow has been opening Russian language centers and investing in the infrastructure and economy of African countries.

“Relations are also developing in the area of transport logistics: international transport corridors are being organized, and business-to-business ties are being improved,” the official noted.

READ MORE: African nations gaining prominence in global affairs – Lavrov

Kobyakov also serves as the executive secretary of the Organizing Committee for the preparation and holding of events within the framework of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum.

Russia has been expanding its presence across Africa in recent years – a move some Western countries, including in the European Union, see as a threat to their own influence.

Several countries on the continent have reached deals with Moscow in a variety of fields. In October 2023, Burkina Faso signed an agreement with Rosatom for the construction of a nuclear power plant. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have jointly sought Russian defense support to combat a decade-long jihadist insurgency in the region.

In December, Moscow added Kenya, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe to the list of countries whose nationals are eligible for Russia’s single-entry electronic visa, which aims to promote tourism, business, and cultural exchanges.

Read more

On Tuesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry inaugurated its Department of Partnership with Africa. Speaking at the event, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the establishment of the new department reflects how Russia has prioritized its ties with the continent’s countries.

According to the senior diplomat, African nations “have always had a reliable and understanding partner in Russia,” which assisted them in their “heroic struggle against colonial metropolises for freedom and independence.”

Last year, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa said his country “will never forget” the help Russia and China provided during its fight for independence from British rule. The Zimbabwean leader has called Russia a “consistent global ally.” In October, his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, hailed Russia as a “valued ally” who has long supported his country, including during the struggle against apartheid. Burkina Faso’s interim leader, Ibrahim Traore, has also described Moscow as a “strategic ally.”