Vladimir Putin drew on African wisdom to describe Russia’s relationship with the continent, telling a Kremlin reception: “When the roots are deep, one does not fear the wind.” The Russian president said the partnership’s historical roots allow it to withstand geopolitical pressure from outside.
Speaking on Wednesday at a reception for heads of delegation at the third Russia-Africa summit, Putin said the spirit and principles of relations with African countries remain unchanged, regardless of global upheaval or political and economic shifts. He presented Russia as a sincere friend and partner open to constructive dialogue.
In a tense international context, Putin said it was essential that both sides share the same aspiration for a just, multipolar world order free from constraints. one based on sovereign equality and respect for nations’ values and cultures.
He noted that Moscow and African capitals coordinate positions in many forums, starting with the United Nations.
Putin said Russia intends to contribute concretely to the continent’s challenges: resolving current crises, preventing new flashpoints, and fighting terrorism, extremism, epidemics and famine. He also cited food, digital and environmental security.
He invoked history, recalling that the Soviet Union helped African peoples shed colonial rule and consolidate sovereignty, supported agriculture and energy, and built factories, roads, schools and hospitals. Hundreds of thousands of Africans were trained in the USSR and later Russia, and Moscow intends to continue.
The plenary session is being held Thursday in the Kremlin’s Grand Palace, co-chaired by Putin and African Union President Évariste Ndayishimiye.
The summit is due to adopt a final declaration, the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum action plan for 2027-2029, and a declaration on cooperation in civilian applications of artificial intelligence.
Putin said he is convinced the agreements reached on the summit’s sidelines will lay the foundations for lasting collaboration, based on friendship, respect and trust.
