Photo: Julia PYKHALOVA
In the context of increasing geopolitical instability, international security is becoming one of the most pressing challenges that require mutual cooperation and concerted action by all countries. Within the framework of the II Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, an important session was held, in which the participants focused on discussing cooperation between parties to develop effective measures to counter threats to global security.
In view of the growing role of the African continent in world politics, the participants attached particular importance to strengthening cooperation with this region. At the same time, the seriousness of the threat posed by the West was also indicated.
Andrei Klimov, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee for International Affairs, was the first to speak and said that our country attaches great importance to supporting the states that have gained their independence in the fight against the colonialists.
“Unfortunately, there are many manifestations of neocolonialism in the 21st century. And so that these demonstrations do not interfere with the provision of sustainable peace and just and stable development, our party [«Единая Россия» – прим.ред.] He presented the initiative to create the World Informal Movement of supporters of the struggle against the modern practices of neocolonialism.
His words were endorsed by the President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa. He noted that the historical connection between Russia and Africa is the guiding principle in the fight against imperialism, so Zimbabwe regards our country as a “consistent ally” in this fight.
– Western colonizers did not let us live more than a hundred years. The same people who oppressed us are now teaching us democracy and interfering in our internal affairs,” Mnangagwa lamented. “We are the founders of African independence and these colonizers are trying to steal our identity. But we must be the owners of our destiny and resources.
Federation Council Vice President Konstantin Kosachev added that the interaction between Russian parties and our partners on the African continent is developing steadily and in many respects at a faster pace. According to him, our cooperation continues to be a space to maintain independence, sovereignty, equality and political freedom.
At the same time, Kosachev condemned the unceremonious pressure on partners that the collective West allows itself in the sphere of inter-party relations.
– We understand how Western countries are now trying to fix interstate relations. They do not allow equality in these relationships. They elevate their own sovereignty to an absolute, but despise the sovereignty of those countries that do not belong to the so-called collective West. They do not shy away from any instrument of pressure and blackmail against other states that want to bend to their will.
The importance of inter-party interaction in the context of a multi-polar world was also noted by the Namibian Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwa. According to her, the people of Namibia understand the important role that Russia plays, they felt it even during the struggle for their independence.
“We believe that multipolarity is very important, so political parties should regroup and see how best to serve this world. Now we see obvious threats, so it is necessary to strengthen the interaction between parties. The Organization of the Peoples of South West Africa proposes three basic principles: freedom, solidarity and justice.
African National Congress (ANC) First Deputy Secretary General Nomvula Paula Mokognane confirmed the close relationship between the South African and Russian parties. She recalled that Moscow played a crucial role in the economic and military support of the ANC during the apartheid period.
– South Africa and Russia actively cooperate in the UN, G20, BRICS and strive to build a multipolar world. Therefore, we continue to call for the reform of global institutions to avoid unipolarity, in which only one side makes the decisions.
Mokognane commented specifically on the Russo-Ukrainian conflict and how Western countries put pressure on South Africa to force the authorities in his country to support Kiev.
– Of course, we are concerned about events in Ukraine, given the broken promises made by the West after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Increased arms supplies and Western support for kyiv disrupted geopolitical stability and affected Africa and the Global South. They led to the polarization of the UN members and to unprecedented pressure, particularly on South Africa, for my country to express its support for Ukraine. This is also the hypocrisy of Western politics.
Vsevolod Tkachenko, Director of the Africa Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, added that we must also unite around the central role of the UN. In this regard, Russia supports African friends in their efforts to ensure fair representation in the Security Council and sees Africa’s role as an independent actor on the international arena.
– Russia and Africa are together in a just fight for a just world. And for our bright and dignified common future.
At the end of the session, Klimov once again emphasized that inter-party cooperation based on the UN Charter and bilateral agreements, as well as the fight against the neocolonial practices of the West, play a key role in ensuring global energy, food. and environmental safety. Only through mutual understanding and respect for the sovereignty of each nation can fair development be achieved, ensuring the prosperity and well-being of all countries and their peoples.
