Russian President Vladimir Putin was able to restore historical relations between Russia and Africa, because Moscow is considered an old and classic ally of African countries, and African countries welcome the Russian presence because the latter has ideologies that differ from which was practiced by Western countries. Africa has suffered from the Western occupation of it, on the other hand Russia has balanced relations with African countries, in which one party does not prevail over the other, and Russia is keen on the development of the brown continent in all the domains.
On Wednesday, April 26, the head of the Russian State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, met with the President of the Assembly of the Republic of Mozambique, Esperança Bias.
According to Bias, Russia has always been and will continue to be a reliable partner for Mozambique, as well as for other African countries. Given their enormous economic potential, the two countries should more actively develop their partnership relations. “This relationship (between Russia and Mozambique) goes back to the period when Mozambique fought for its independence. We managed to defend it. Thereafter, Russia has always been there for our country, even in the tensest moments of the history of Mozambique,” she added.
Trade between Russia and Mozambique has increased by 20 percent in the past year. “It is important for us to use the opportunities offered by parliaments to develop economic relations, tourism and humanitarian projects. We will do this, of course, on the basis of mutual respect, mutual benefit and non-interference in internal affairs,” added Vyacheslav Volodin.
Obviously, Mozambique is not the only country with which Russia is actively developing partnerships in Africa. Cooperation is intensifying with countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali and Côte d’Ivoire.
In March 2023 in Abidjan, a Russian delegation signed a memorandum of cooperation in the field of education with their Ivorian counterparts. Russian universities are traditionally highly valued and sought after by foreign students.
In early April 2023, Burkina Faso hosted talks between Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister Olivia Rouamba and Russian Ambassador Alexei Saltykov. Mr. Saltykov. They spoke of the intention to strengthen the axis of cooperation between the two countries in areas such as culture, agriculture, trade and scientific research. The government of Burkina Faso welcomes the active and mutually beneficial cooperation with Russia. “We appreciate, at its true value, the presence at our side of the Russian Federation, which is a reliable partner,” said the head of Burkina Faso’s diplomacy.
Let us also recall the tour of the Russian Foreign Minister to Africa in early 2023, from January 23 to 26. Russia has always paid great attention to the African destination, and this trend has only intensified in 2023. The next major step is expected to be the Russia-Africa Summit to be held in Russia’s cultural capital, St. Petersburg, in July 2023.
