*Russian President Vladimir Putin, at a conference with African officials, in Sochi, declares his country could help countries on the continent with ‘sustainable development, the struggle against terrorism and extremism, combating epidemics, food problems and the consequences of natural disasters’

Alexander Davis | 绿帽献妻

Russian President Vladimir Putin Sunday, November 10, 2024, pledged Moscow鈥檚 鈥渢otal support鈥� for Africa, at a conference with African officials held in Sochi, Southwest Russia.

Speaking at the international forum, President Putin stated: “Our country will continue to provide total support to our African friends in different sectors.”

In a speech read by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to other foreign ministers and senior officials in attendance at the two-day conference, Putin also assured that Russia could help African countries with 鈥渟ustainable development, the struggle against terrorism and extremism, combating epidemics, food problems and the consequences of natural disasters.”

The conference at the weekend came after two Russia-Africa summits in 2019 and 2023, according to report

Lavrov said Russia鈥檚 relations with Africa had been strengthening 鈥渕ore and more鈥�.

鈥榃e see progress on all axes of cooperation with Africa,鈥� says Minister

The Russian Minister also averred: 鈥淲e see progress on all axes鈥� of co-operation.

The conference is another chance for Russia to promote its vision of a 鈥渕ultipolar world鈥� 鈥� a month after it hosted a BRICS summit of major emerging economies, AFP report said.

Russia reportedly wants to show that Western sanctions aimed at isolating it over its Ukraine offensive have failed.

It is also noted that Russia was a major player in Africa in Soviet times and has been growing in influence on the continent in recent years, including with the help of Russian mercenary groups and through large investments in the raw-materials sector.