President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Friends,
I am happy to welcome the participants and guests of the Russia - Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, which will take place in St. Petersburg.
The event will provide an opportunity for politicians, entrepreneurs, scientists and public figures to share their views on ways to strengthen multi-faceted partnership, discuss specific tasks which are vital to ensure the sustainable and progressive development of our countries.
Today, Africa is asserting itself more and more confidently as one of the poles of the emerging multipolar world. Progress is gaining momentum across a wide range of areas, including manufacturing, agriculture, transport infrastructure, fuel and energy, healthcare and education.
Russia supports the aspiration of African nations to secure socioeconomic stability and advancement. It is important that over the past few years, cooperation between Russia and Africa has reached new heights.
We intend to continue moving in this direction, working to boost trade and investment, deepen cooperation and work together to address such pressing issues as the fight against poverty, training modern workforce, ensuring food security and tackling climate change.
And of course, we remain committed to assisting our African partners in every possible way to help them strengthen their national and cultural sovereignty, to play a more active role in resolving regional and global challenges.
I firmly believe that the Forum will provide a further boost to our political and humanitarian partnership for many years to come. It will serve as a crucial event for Russian-African relations, making them even more comprehensive and far-reaching.
I would like to express my gratitude to all colleagues from the African continent planning to travel to St. Petersburg for the Russia-Africa Forum and Summit.
I wish you a productive and successful event and peace and prosperity for all Africa.