Dmitry Peskov
Photo: Vladimir VELENGURIN
… – You have already seen that a statement, a joint statement, was finalized with our African colleagues, which was prepared on the basis of the results of the meeting that took place on the subject of the Ukrainian agreement, late in the afternoon in San Petersburg during the Russia-Africa summit, – with these words the official representative of the Kremlin began his briefing for Russian and foreign journalists on Friday, August 4. – It (the statement) was published on the President’s website.
– I only have one question about the summit, – the journalist from Komsomolskaya Pravda entered the conversation. – Just before the Russia-Africa summit, we already discussed with you why the United States is so afraid of this event. And today, at four o’clock in the morning, a statement came from the Russian ambassador in Washington, Anatoly Antonov… I quote: “The United States is trying by all means to underestimate the importance of the Russia-Africa summit.” And another quote: “Here they still cannot make sense of the idea that in the coming months Russia will supply a number of African countries with between 25,000 and 50,000 tons of grain for free.” Why are they still so angry there, Dmitry Sergeevich?
– Listen, here it is not necessary to evaluate everything so emotionally, – noted the press secretary. – Of course, the African continent, African countries are one of the most dynamically developing continents in the world.
And – the continent that has the greatest untapped potential.
And – a continent that is looking for partners.
This does not mean that Africans are going to focus only on us.
Many countries compete in their approaches to this region.
And of course many states are very excited about this trajectory of improving our relations with African countries.
This is a normal process. This is competition.
And to withstand this competition, we have to work hard.
This is a great responsibility and a lot of work.
And indeed, the results of the summit showed that we are ready for this job.
You know, this topic was discussed at a recent government meeting that took place last week.
And Minister Reshetnikov (Head of the Ministry of Economic Development. – AG) reported that it would be a new systemic approach of the government to promote these new and broader ties with various African states.
– Thank you for your balanced answer to my emotional question, Dmitry Sergeevich.
– Please.
