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The message said, in part:

“The establishment of the African Union opened a new page in the life of the African continent. The practical setting up of the Union is aimed at developing the best traditions and most fruitful ideas of African unity.

“We highly praise the steps taken by the African countries and their influential inter-continental forum in settling and preventing regional conflicts, implementing social and economic changes, and creating the conditions for turning the continent into a land of peace, stability and partnership.

“Russia is interested in stepping up long-standing friendly relations with African countries, developing multi-faceted cooperation with the African Union, and significantly broadening dialogue on African and international issues.

“I would like to confirm Russia’s intention to maintain coordinated efforts by the international community aimed at steering the African continent down the path of sustainable development, democracy and progress, and promoting the implementation of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development programme.”