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Second Russia–Africa Summit
The Second Summit Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum will take place in St. Petersburg from July 27-28.The First Russia-Africa Summit and Economic Forum was held in the Russian resort city of Sochi in October 2019.

Russia Always Ready to 'Watch Our Back': Nigerian Official

© Sputnik . Pavel Bednyakov / Go to the mediabankRussian President Vladimir Putin held a ceremony of official meeting of the heads of delegations participating in the Second Russia-Africa Summit
Russian President Vladimir Putin held a ceremony of official meeting of the heads of delegations participating in the Second Russia-Africa Summit - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 28.07.2023
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The Nigerian official shared with Sputnik Africa his views on Russia-Nigeria relations on the sidelines of the second Russia-Africa Summit, which is taking place in St. Petersburg from July 27 to 28.
sMoscow is always open to come to Nigeria's aid, and this is embodied in the field of education and both nation's way of thinking among other things, Mohammed Abubakar Mohammed, Senior Special Advisor on Solid Minerals Development to the Executive Governor of Nigeria's Kwara State told Sputnik Africa.
"Russia is always there to watch our back," Mohammed noted.
According to the official, this is applicable to the field of education, where the Russian government is expanding scholarships to Nigerians.
Mohammed also argued that Nigerians and Russians are "the same in terms of our thinking, in terms of working together, in terms of making positive impact."
"So we've always been together and we will continue to be together," the official concluded.
In addition, Mohammed commented on the countries' cooperation in the military sphere, which is governed by the agreement on military cooperation, signed in 2017 and updated in 2021.
According to the advisor, the deal has benefited the training of the Nigerian military, especially intelligence units, who "are more active now than before."
"We have very good intelligence gathering now, and that has been the help of knowledge sharing, in terms of training our armed forces to come here [in Russia] for courses," Mohammed remarked.
The official added that such cooperation brings gains not only to Nigeria but also, more broadly, to other African countries to which Abuja can provide assistance.
"Nigeria is the giant of Africa. You know, whatever we are doing, we don't only consider ourselves, we also consider our sister countries and countries nearby to give them some of this assistance," he said. "So if Russia concentrate more on Nigeria, then Nigeria can actually extend this gesture to other African nations."
In late May, Prince Ologbese Adeboboye, honorary commissioner for regional integration in Nigeria told Sputnik Africa that with the new President, Bola Tinubu, coming to power in Nigeria, the government of the West African country is going to strengthen ties with Russia.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Nigeria ruling party speaks during the flag off campaign ahead of the 2023 Presidential election in Jos, Nigeria, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022. - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 31.05.2023
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"Russia-Nigeria relationship has been built over years with respect to trade and investment," he said in May.
On July 27-28, the second Russia-Africa Summit is underway in St. Petersburg, Russia's cultural capital. The first day of the event featured speeches by the Russian President, African leaders and prominent political figures on the prospects for Russia-Africa cooperation.
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