Official website of the President of Russia

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The President’s message reads, in part:

“This year marks the 60^th anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity. For decades, this representative international organisation had played a crucial role in the development of multilateral dialogue and cooperation. Its good traditions are currently carried on by the African Union, within which all states on the continent are actively interacting. Thanks to their joint efforts, it was possible to establish mechanisms of collective response to local crises and launch processes of regional integration in various formats. This, undoubtedly, facilitates the social and economic development of Africa, and increases its role in international affairs.

Russia has always attached special importance to strengthening relations with its African partners. The first Russia-Africa Summit, held in 2019, gave a boost to our ties in many areas.

I am sure that the second Russia-Africa Summit, which will take place in St Petersburg in July, will help us outline new tasks aimed at expanding the constructive cooperation between our country and our African partners in the political, trade and economic, scientific and technological, humanitarian and other areas.

I will be delighted to welcome African leaders to St Petersburg. I sincerely wish all of you good health and success in your state activities and wish your citizens peace and prosperity”.