“Qualitatively complementing the tools of interaction between Russia and the African Union could be the creation of a new permanent dialogue mechanism for consultations on such pressing issues as the fight against terrorism and extremism, ensuring food, information and environmental security,” Putin said at a meeting in the format of a working breakfast. held within the framework of the Russia-Africa summit.
He drew attention to the fact that Russia actively participates in regional integration projects implemented in Eurasia. “Perhaps the key is the Eurasian Economic Union, in which Russia participates together with friendly neighboring countries and which aims to create common markets, goods, services, capital and labor. Therefore, we consider it important to discuss the prospects for cooperation between the Eurasian Union and African integration structures, and first of all, with the African Union, within the framework of which similar processes are being developed and an African continental free trade area has been created,” the president stressed.
He also noted that among regional organizations, the African Union is Russia’s main partner.
“A large-scale Russian-African joint action plan until 2026 will be adopted today. This comprehensive document is adopted as a follow-up to the 2019 Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Russian Federation and the African Union Commission on the Foundations of Relations and Cooperation and provides for the intensification of contacts on peace and security, crisis resolution,” the head of state continued.
In addition, Vladimir Putin mentioned that Russia is in favor of connecting the African Union as a full participant in the work of the Group of Twenty.
