Moscow is optimistic about results of Russia-Africa summit - diplomat

MOSCOW, July 13. /TASS/. Impressive results of the Russia-Africa Summit create a good foundation and encourage serious optimism regarding the implementation of its results, Russian Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and African Countries and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said on Monday in an open interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman. "Many good decisions were made, documents signed, as well as commercial agreements and contracts for the total amount of one trln roubles. Such impressive results create a good foundation and encourage a rather serious optimism regarding the final implementation of all of these and the advancement," the senior diplomat said. The diplomat admitted that the pandemic "had a certain influence" on the rate of this work. However, according to him, the Russian Foreign Ministry continues to work with African colleagues via phone calls, video conferences, and various letters and messages. In connection with that, the Deputy Minister recalled last week’s video communication of Sergey Lavrov with the top diplomats of the African Union "triad" (DRC, Egypt, and South Africa) which resulted in the agreement to hold the summit in 2022 on the African continent. "The specific location is to be determined as well as the timing of this summit. But this agreement makes us seriously activate our work on preparations for it after certain restrictions are lifted," the senior diplomat reported. The Russia-Africa summit was held on October 23-24, 2019, co-chaired by Presidents of Russia and Egypt. Delegates from all of the 54 African countries took part in the summit, 43 of them were represented by top officials. Apart from that, the forum was attended by delegates from eight big African integration associations and organizations. Read more