President Vladimir Putin has vowed to strengthen ties with African nations, focusing on providing free grain supplies to combat food insecurity. The Russia-Africa Summit and the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum will both take place on July 27 and 28 in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Putin has deep roots in Africa and has helped the continent since the Soviet Union in the areas of infrastructure, power, health, defense, and security. Recognizing the significance of uninterrupted food supplies for socioeconomic development and political stability, he also promised Russia’s continuous and free supply of grain to Africa in an effort to combat food insecurity.
Putin will, however, not participate in the “grain deal” it helped to facilitate, which came to an end on July 18, because it did not fulfill its promise to provide grains to Africa at no cost. He emphasized that issues pertaining to the supply of wheat, barley, maize, and other crops to African countries have always received attention from Russia, both on a contractual basis and for free as humanitarian aid, including through the United Nations Food Programme.
Russia will keep working to supply Africa with supplies of grain, food items, fertilizers, and other products despite the sanctions. The nation is prepared to establish practical, win-win relationships with other regional integration organizations on the continent and is eager to expand collaboration with them.
Putin has always supported Africans in their fight for self-determination, justice, and their inalienable rights, adhering to the tenet of “African solutions to African problems.” He supports giving African nations their due representation in the UN Security Council and the G20, as well as reforming international financial and trade organizations to better serve their needs. Putin also intends to keep helping African nations develop their domestic human resource capacity.
According to him, there are currently over 6,000 students from the continent studying in Russia out of about 35,000 total students from the continent. The Russian President pointed out that every year, his nation offers more scholarships, encourages paid higher education options, and makes it easier for universities to collaborate with one another.
