Arya News - The third Russia–Africa Summit is being held in Moscow on October 28–29, bringing together delegations from 48 of the continent’s 54 countries, including 22 represented at the head-of-state level.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said a more just world order, in which the voices of all countries are heard, is replacing the unipolar world.The Russian president also stressed that the consequences of colonialism continue to affect African countries."We must acknowledge that the consequences of the colonial era are still being felt in Africa today," Putin said.Addressing the forum"s participants, Putin welcomed the African delegations to Moscow and expressed his gratitude for accepting Russia"s invitation.Russian President Vladimir Putin said Africa"s influence and standing on the global stage are growing."The continent is experiencing a new awakening. Its sovereignty is strengthening, and its influence and standing on the world stage are growing. Most importantly, Africans have an unwavering determination to defend their interests," Putin said.Vladimir Putin said Russia is actively helping African countries reduce their debt burdens and improve financial stability. Putin noted that Moscow has joint programs with several African nations to redirect debt-related funds toward national economic development projects.Putin also accused Western countries of actively attempting to trap African nations in debt bondage.The Russian president emphasized that the summit was being held for the third time and that, as has become tradition, its work was beginning with a plenary session.Africa is increasingly asserting itself as one of the centers of the international economy, Putin said."Those who are used to thinking about the colonial past in fairy-tale like manner, incredibly getting rich at someone else"s expense. Any kind of unsightly and cynical means are used, including tariff wars, illegitimate sanctions, economic diktat, blackmail and interference in internal affairs," Putin said.Russian Technological DevelopmentRussian President Vladimir Putin said Russia has achieved impressive results in several areas of technological development, describing technological sovereignty as a strategic priority.Speaking at the Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, Putin highlighted the nationwide adoption of digital healthcare technologies, which he said are significantly improving doctors" productivity, expanding access to medical care and enabling earlier disease diagnosis.Putin said Russia remains at the forefront of efforts to achieve technological sovereignty and is ready to share its advanced technologies, digital expertise and know-how with African countries.Speaking at the Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, Putin emphasized Moscow"s willingness to expand technological cooperation with its African partners.BRICSPutin also highlighted the role of BRICS in shaping the emerging international order, describing the group as one of the key centers of global transformation."New centers of global governance are emerging, becoming focal points for the transformation and restructuring of the world order. Among them, in my view, a key place belongs to an organization well known to all of you: BRICS, effectively the world"s largest association, covering one-third of the Earth"s landmass," Putin said at the forum.Over the past five years, BRICS countries have generated more than 40% of global GDP, while the G7’s share stands at less than 30%, the Russian president added.Time to Change Work of IMF, World BankIt is high time to change the work of the IMF and the World Bank, reorienting them to the needs of developing economies, Russian President Vladimir Putin said."Our country has also consistently advocated strengthening Africa"s role in governance and key decision-making within the framework of multilateral development institutions, primarily the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. And anyway, there is a question of reforming these organizations, reorienting them to the needs and requirements of developing economies," Putin said.Russia advocates for a greater role for Africa in the decision-making process within international organizations, Putin said, adding that Russia and Africa together created prerequisites for a transition to a just multipolar world.Moscow’s Gostiny Dvor exhibition center plays host to the opening of the Third Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum on October 28 at 1:00 p.m., starting with a plenary session. Some 4,000 Russian and African entrepreneurs have been invited to join more than 40 events across four key areas.The event aims to bolster mutually beneficial cooperation between Russia and African countries in politics, security, trade, science, technology, culture and humanitarian affairs.The inaugural Russia–Africa Summit was held in Sochi in October 2019, followed by the second one in St. Petersburg in July 2023.Follow Sputnik’s live broadcast!