Russia, Africa relations bound for brighter future
On the eve of my visits to several African countries, I would like to share my reflections on the prospects for Russia-Africa relations in the current geopolitical context. Today, Africa plays an increasingly important role in the global politics and economy, take an active part in solving key modern-day problems. Their solidarity voice sounds more and more harmoniously in world affairs.
Russia has consistently advocated Africa’s strengthened position in the multipolar world order which should be based on the principles of the UN Charter. In this context, we welcome the development of such integration structures as the African Union, East African Community, Sadc, Economic Community of Central African States, Ecowas and Igad. We consider the launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area an important step towards the true economic independence of the continent, its final liberation from any manifestations of discrimination and coercion.
Russia-Africa ties are based on the time-tested bonds of friendship and cooperation. Our country has not stained itself with the bloody crimes of colonialism and always sincerely supported Africans in the struggle for liberation from colonial oppression, provided practical and often gratuitous assistance to the continent in the formation of statehood, creation of the foundations of national economies, defence capabilities build up, and training of qualified personnel. We stand in solidarity with African demands to complete the process of decolonisation and support relevant initiatives on the UN platform.
The development of a comprehensive partnership with Africa remains among the top priorities of Russia’s foreign policy. We are willing to contribute to Africa’s growth - in line with the strategic decisions taken in October 2019 at the first Russia-Africa Summit in Sochi.
At the same time, I would specially emphasize: Russia does not impose anything on anyone. We treat with great respect the sovereignty of African States, and their right to determine the path of their development. We are committed to the ‘African solutions to African problems’ principle. Such an approach to developing inter-State ties differs from the ‘master-slave logic imposed by former metropolitan countries, which reproduces the colonial model.
We know African colleagues do not approve of the undisguised attempts of the US and their European satellites to gain the upper hand, and to impose a unipolar world order to the international community. We appreciate the considered African position on the situation in and around Ukraine. Although unprecedented by its scale the pressure from beyond has not brought our friends to join the anti-Russian sanctions. Such an independent path deserves respect.
For sure, the current geopolitical situation requires certain adjustment of the mechanisms of interaction: first, there is a question of ensuring seamless logistic and tuning the system of financial settlements to make them secure from the outer interference. In cooperation with partners, Russia takes steps to enhance the use of national currencies and payment systems. We are working to gradually reduce the share of dollar and euro in mutual trade. We stand for establishing an efficient financial system that is proof against the potential impact from the unfriendly States.
The task of bringing Russian and African economic operators to each other’s markets and encouraging them to participate in large-scale infrastructure projects also comes to the fore. We assume that, as conducted, the second Africa-Russia summit will facilitate settling the task. Together with African friends, we have got down to working through its content.
Food security is currently high on the international agenda. We are well aware of the importance of Russian supplies of socially important commodities, including food, to the world. We are mindful the supplies play an important role in preserving social stability as well as in achieving the benchmarks of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The speculations of Western and Ukrainian propaganda that Russia “exports hunger” are unfounded. It is well known the time of “corona crisis” the West, using the mechanism of currency issuance, “absorbed” commodity and food flows, worsening the situation in developing countries dependent on food imports. Western sanctions imposed on Russia in recent months have further exacerbated the trends.
It is essential Africa understands that Russia will continue to fulfill its obligations under international contracts with regard to exports of food, fertilisers, energy and other goods.
Moscow will continue to pursue a peace-loving foreign policy and play a balancing role in international affairs. We are in favour of broad interstate cooperation based on the provisions of the UN Charter. We will continue to strengthen productive interaction with foreign partners who in their turn are willing to cooperate with us.
In this context, we assume Russia-Africa relations, whether political, humanitarian or trade and investment, are of an intrinsic value and do not depend on fluctuations in the international environment. Together we will be even stronger.
—Sergey Lavrov is Russia Foreign Affairs minister
