The Russia-Africa summit will be held on October 28 and 29 with the participation of African leaders, amid international anticipation of enhanced political and economic cooperation.

The Russian Foreign Ministry announced that Moscow will host the third summit between Russia and African countries on October 28 and 29, in a move that reflects the continued upward trend of rapprochement between the two sides in recent years.

Anatoly Bashkin, the director of the African Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, confirmed that the summit date has been officially set, noting in press statements to the Novosti news agency that preparations are proceeding according to schedule, with initial confirmations from a number of African leaders to participate, without disclosing the names of the countries so far.

Strengthening relations with African countries

The upcoming summit comes amid growing Russian interest in strengthening relations with African countries at various levels, especially in the areas of economy, energy and security cooperation. Moscow is working to expand its partnerships with the African continent through multilateral initiatives aimed at supporting strategic cooperation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had issued an official decree to hold the third summit in Moscow, reflecting the political importance that the Russian leadership attaches to this event, as a key platform for dialogue with African countries.

It is worth noting that the first summit between Russia and Africa was held in October 2019 in Sochi, co-chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and witnessed a new beginning in relations between the two sides.

The second summit was hosted by St. Petersburg in July 2023, and focused on economic, security and food cooperation issues, amid escalating international challenges.

The most important issues on the summit's agenda

The third summit in Moscow is expected to discuss important strategic issues, including food security, expanding investments, cooperation in the fields of energy and technology, as well as development issues in the African continent, as both sides seek to reshape the balance of international partnerships in a more balanced way.