Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed African heads of state and government in a formal Africa Day message, congratulating them on the occasion and reflecting on shared historical milestones.
Marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the United Nations’ formation, as well as the 65th anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, Putin emphasized the defeat of Nazism and the end of colonialism as pivotal for global peace and development.
Putin commended African nations for their economic and social progress, highlighting the African Union’s role in fostering stability.
He reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to deepening ties, citing the 2019 and 2023 Russia-Africa summits as key milestones in identifying new cooperation areas.
The president also announced the upcoming ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, set to occur before year-end in an African nation, aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations.
Expressing confidence in the expansion of Russian-African ties, Putin underscored the mutual benefits of a “fair and democratic multipolar world order,” concluding with wishes for health, success, and prosperity for African citizens.
The message aligns with Russia’s ongoing efforts to bolster its influence in Africa amid global geopolitical shifts.