During the ongoing second Russia-Africa Summit 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a significant announcement that the Russian government has written off a substantial $23 billion debt burden owed by African countries. This move aims to support and strengthen Russia’s ties with the African continent.
In addition to debt relief, Putin revealed that Moscow would allocate an additional $90 million to support African countries further. The focus on enhancing cooperation is evident in Russia’s advocacy for expanding the representation of African nations in various United Nations structures, including the UN Security Council.
Putin emphasized the importance of fostering an “honest, open, and constructive” partnership between Russia and Africa. As part of this effort, Russia is actively supporting the reopening of African embassies and consulates in its territory. The process is progressing well, with the reopening of embassies in Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea proceeding as planned.
This significant gesture by the Russian government reflects a commitment to engaging with African nations in meaningful ways and building mutually beneficial partnerships for the future. The Summit continues to pave the way for further dialogue and cooperation, highlighting the potential for increased collaboration between Russia and Africa in various spheres of interest.
