Russia Opens High Level Summit to Deepen Ties With African Nations

Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed nearly two dozen African leaders to Moscow on Wednesday for a two-day summit aimed at strengthening economic and political ties against Western influence.

The gathering follows an economic and humanitarian forum that opened Tuesday, drawing delegations from 48 African countries, including 22 represented by their heads of state.

The summit comes as Moscow seeks new markets and diplomatic backing while grappling with heavy Western sanctions over its military offensive in Ukraine.

"We are natural allies in building a multipolar world order," said Yuri Ushakov, a Kremlin aide, describing the goals of the meetings in the Russian capital.

Putin told the assembled business leaders and officials that global power dynamics are shifting away from Western dominance.

"The era when the fate of entire continents was determined by a narrow bloc of states is irrevocably gone," said Putin as he opened the economic forum.

During the opening sessions, Putin pledged that Russia would expand agricultural shipments and localise the production of vaccines and medicines on the African continent.

Trade between Russia and African countries reached roughly $27bn last year, according to data cited by Al Majalla.

African nations are looking to diversify their sources of financing, technology, and food supplies through expanded cooperation with Moscow.

Diplomatic and security ties are also central to the agenda, including bilateral meetings with leaders from nations facing regional conflicts and security challenges.

Ahead of the closing sessions, Amnesty International urged visiting officials to press Moscow regarding the recruitment of foreign nationals into military forces.

The summit is scheduled to conclude on Thursday with a final declaration on cooperation alongside dozens of signed commercial and intergovernmental agreements.