Russian President Vladimir Putin sent greetings to African heads of state and government on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Organization of African Unity.
"This representative international structure has played an important role in promoting multilateral dialogue and cooperation for several decades. Today, the African Union, in which all states of the continent actively cooperate, continues its good traditions," Putin stressed.
The president called Africa Day a holiday that has become a "symbol of the continent's victory over colonialism, of its aspirations for freedom, peace and prosperity."
According to Putin, Russia has always placed special importance on fostering friendly relations with its African partners.
"Russia has always attached special importance to strengthening friendly relations with African partners. Holding the first ever Russia-Africa summit in 2019 has intensified our ties in many areas," the president noted.
The president also expressed confidence that the second Russia-Africa summit will help expand cooperation between Russia and the continent.
"I am convinced that the second Russia-Africa summit, to be held in St. Petersburg in July, will allow us to define new tasks for expanding constructive cooperation between our country and African partners in political, trade and economic, scientific, technical, humanitarian and other spheres," Putin pointed out.
Putin added that he would be happy to see all the leaders of the continent at the July summit in Russia.
The second Russia-Africa summit will take place in St. Petersburg, the "cultural capital" of Russia, from July 26 to 29. The purpose of the upcoming event is to establish the course for further cooperation between Moscow and the continent in various areas - from politics and economics to education and science.