African leaders did bring back grain from Russia through resolutions geared towards sustainable development in the fields of security, infrastructure development, scientific research, fighting climate change and much more.
It is no coincidence that the theme of the second Russia-Africa Summit was “For Peace, Security and Development”. African leaders examined and negotiated several economic, diplomatic and security deals which to them would promote a forward-looking vision, genuine strategic cooperation, and partnership with Russia. The final declaration which sanctioned the summit bore the expectations of leaders in several domains.
Regarding security, it must be said that the persisting instability in parts of Africa due to terrorism and extremist ideology hampers development. In this light Russia offers to assist in countering these threats through close cooperation between Russian and African law enforcement agencies and special services. “We intend to continue training the military personnel and law enforcement officers of African countries in Russian specialised educational institutions” Putin said. In order to strengthen the defence capabilities of African countries, Russia is developing partnerships in the military and military-technical fields. It has concluded military-technical cooperation agreements with more than 40 African countries.
Hopes are that cooperation will be furthered in the scientific and technical, humanitarian, educational, cultural, sports, health, youth and information domains through the facilitation of education, participation in joint research projects, organization of scientific conferences and seminars, expansion and deepening of collaboration between educational institutions of the Russian Federation and African States. The issue of strengthening national health systems and improving their reliability and sustainability in the fight against epidemics, pandemics, and other public health challenges also features.
Trade and economic cooperation will increase through attracting investment, promoting the development of value chains and boosting mutual capacity to produce and export value added manufactured products. All this, thanks to the operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, intended to enhance the market integration, industrialisation and economic development of the African continent by facilitating technology transfer and encouraging investment. The expectation is to step up efforts to combat the effects of climate change in Africa, transfer relevant low-emission technologies, build the capacity of African States and enhance their ability to improve resilience and adapt to climate change, bearing in mind that financing climate action should not increase the debt of African States or jeopardize their sovereignty.
Overall, Russia’s commitment is to facilitate the development of the African continent in all possible ways by not only delivering humanitarian aid, but also through trade preferences, helping to create modern manufacturing sectors, develop agriculture and assist Africa through specialised international bodies and agencies.
Claudette CHIN
