https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250114/russia-strengthens-ties-with-africa-despite-western-and-ukrainian-pressure-russian-mfa-says-1070186636.html
Russia Strengthens Ties With Africa Despite Western and Ukrainian Pressure, Russian MFA Says
Russia Strengthens Ties With Africa Despite Western and Ukrainian Pressure, Russian MFA Says
Sputnik Africa
Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the Kiev regime, unable to achieve victory against Russia on the battlefield, has initiated a "second front"... 14.01.2025, Sputnik Africa
2025-01-14T18:24+0100
2025-01-14T18:24+0100
2025-01-14T18:24+0100
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Russia is bolstering its ties with African nations despite concerted efforts by Western countries and Ukraine to undermine its influence on the continent, according to Anatoly Bashkin, Director of the Africa Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Speaking in a recent interview to a Russian media outlet, Bashkin detailed the various strategies used by the West and Ukraine, including disinformation campaigns and political coercion, to weaken Russia-Africa relations.However, he emphasized that these efforts have largely failed, as demonstrated by the success of the 2023 Russia–Africa Summit and subsequent ministerial meetings in Sochi, which drew delegations from all 54 African nations. He stressed that African nations share Russia’s vision for a multipolar world free from Western diktat.Challenges and Opportunities in AviationDespite strong legal frameworks for civil aviation with 42 African countries, direct air links remain limited to flights between Moscow and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Bashkin attributed the lack of expanded routes to Western sanctions on the aviation sector, which complicate logistics such as aircraft maintenance and refueling. Negotiations to broaden air connections are ongoing, with Russian authorities advocating for increased direct flights to African destinations.Growing Interest in African TourismBashkin also pointed out that Russia’s tourist flow to Africa has grown significantly, even as travel costs remain higher than to traditional destinations. Island nations like Mauritius and Seychelles have become particularly popular, alongside East African countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. Southern African destinations, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, are also gaining traction due to their cultural richness and natural beauty.Expanding Diplomatic PresenceRussia is expanding its diplomatic footprint in Africa, recently opening embassies in Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea. Plans are underway to establish new embassies in Niger, Sierra Leone, and South Sudan. These moves aim to foster multifaceted cooperation with the continent, according to Bashkin.Supporting Africa's Food SecurityThe diplomat underscored that amidst Western-imposed sanctions, Russia continues to deliver agricultural products, fertilizers, and energy to African nations. Bashkin noted that President Vladimir Putin's initiative to provide free wheat to six African countries has been met with appreciation, while contributions to the UN World Food Program support several nations grappling with food insecurity. Future grain deliveries are planned, particularly for drought-affected areas.
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Russia Strengthens Ties With Africa Despite Western and Ukrainian Pressure, Russian MFA Says
Christina Glazkova
Writer / Editor
Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the Kiev regime, unable to achieve victory against Russia on the battlefield, has initiated a "second front" in Africa by collaborating with terrorist groups in Mali and Niger, countries that have already cut diplomatic ties with Ukraine.
Russia is bolstering its ties with African nations despite concerted efforts by
Western countries and Ukraine to undermine its influence on the continent, according to
Anatoly Bashkin, Director of the Africa Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Speaking in a recent interview to a Russian media outlet, Bashkin detailed the various strategies used by the West and Ukraine, including disinformation campaigns and political coercion, to weaken Russia-Africa relations.
However, he emphasized that these efforts have largely failed, as demonstrated by the success of the 2023 Russia–Africa Summit and subsequent ministerial meetings in Sochi, which drew delegations from all 54 African nations. He stressed that African nations share Russia’s vision for a
multipolar world free from Western diktat.
Challenges and Opportunities in Aviation
Despite strong legal frameworks for civil aviation with 42 African countries, direct air links remain limited to
flights between Moscow and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Bashkin attributed the lack of expanded routes to Western sanctions on the aviation sector, which complicate logistics such as aircraft maintenance and refueling. Negotiations to broaden air connections are ongoing, with Russian authorities advocating for increased direct flights to African destinations.
Growing Interest in African Tourism
Bashkin also pointed out that Russia’s
tourist flow to Africa has grown significantly, even as travel costs remain higher than to traditional destinations. Island nations like
Mauritius and Seychelles have become particularly popular, alongside East African countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. Southern African destinations, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, are also gaining traction due to their cultural richness and natural beauty.
Expanding Diplomatic Presence
Russia is expanding its diplomatic footprint in Africa, recently opening embassies in Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea. Plans are underway to establish new embassies in Niger, Sierra Leone, and
South Sudan. These moves aim to foster multifaceted cooperation with the continent, according to Bashkin.
Supporting Africa's Food Security
The diplomat underscored that amidst Western-imposed sanctions, Russia continues to
deliver agricultural products, fertilizers, and energy to African nations. Bashkin noted that President Vladimir Putin's initiative to provide free wheat to six African countries has been met with appreciation, while contributions to the
UN World Food Program support several nations grappling with food insecurity. Future grain deliveries are planned, particularly for drought-affected areas.
