At first ever summit, Russia aims to revive relations with Africa
Egypt and Russia co-hosted the first Russia-African economic summit in Sochi, as Moscow seeks influence in the continent.
From Oct. 23-24, the Russian Black Sea resort city of Sochi was a venue for the first ever Russia-Africa Summit and Economic Forum, through which Moscow is seeking greater sway in a continent where the West and China have strong influence.
Co-chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Egyptian President and African Union Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the summit was attended by 3,000 delegates, including 43 of the continent’s 54 countries as well as representatives of Russian, African and international business.
They discussed various topics such as military and security cooperation, nuclear energy, extractive industries, agriculture, health care, education and mineral extraction.
In his opening remarks, Putin said the African cooperation will not involve “political or other” interference.
