West Creates Obstructions to Supply of Russian Grain to Africa, Blames Moscow for This: Putin

Western countries create obstructions to supply of Russian grain to African countries and blame Russia for this, prevent supply of Russian fertilizers to the continent free of charge, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated at the plenary session of the Second Russia-Africa Summit and the economic and humanitarian forum.

"A paradoxical picture is emerging. On the one hand, the Western countries are obstructing the supply of our grain and fertilizers. And on the other hand, I will say directly, they hypocritically accuse us of the current crisis situation in the world food market," Putin said.

He stressed that this approach was "especially clearly manifested" during the implementation of the grain deal.

A total of 32.8 million tonnes of cargo was exported from Ukraine over the year of the grain deal, with more than 70% going to high-income countries, mainly the European Union, Vladimir Putin pointed out.

"For almost a year under this so-called deal, a total of 32.8 million tonnes of cargo was exported from Ukraine, of which more than 70%, dear friends, went to high- and above-average income countries, primarily to the EU," he noted.

At the same time, Putin said, Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia and several other countries accounted for less than 3% of total exports, or less than 1 million tonnes.

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According to the president, Russia delivered 11.5 million tonnes of grain to the African countries in 2022 and nearly 10 million tonnes in the first six months of this year, despite sanctions on Russian exports.

"As for grain, Russia delivered 11.5 million tonnes to Africa in 2022, and only in the first six months of this year — almost 10 million tonnes already. And this is despite the illegal sanctions imposed on our exports, which seriously hinder the supply of Russian food, complicate transportation, logistics, insurance and wiring of bank payments," Putin noted.

At the moment, 30 promising energy projects with Russian participation are being developed in 16 African countries, Vladimir Putin said.

"More than 30 promising energy projects with Russian participation in 16 African states are currently in various stages of development," the president stated, adding that total capacity of those projects is approximately 3.7 gigawatts.

Putin stressed that Russia is making every effort to prevent a global food crisis.

"We strive to actively participate in the formation of a more equitable system for the distribution of resources, we are making every effort to prevent a global food crisis," Putin said, adding that Russia understands importance of "uninterrupted supplies of food" to Africa, and will pay special attention to this.

In addition, he said that Russia is ready "to replace Ukraine grain" on a commercial and "as a donation to the African countries that are in most need."

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He stated that his country is ready to deliver 25,000-50,000 tonnes of grain to Burkina Faso, Mali, Eritrea and a number of other African countries for free.

"To be specific, I would like to add that in coming months, in coming three-four months, we will be ready to supply Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, the Central African Republic, Eritrea with 25,000-50,000 tonnes of grain for free. We will ensure free delivery of this production to consumers as well," he noted.

According to Putin, Moscow is interested in further development and deepening of trade, economic and humanitarian cooperation with all African countries.

"Russia is sincerely interested in further global development and deepening of trade, economic and humanitarian cooperation with all African countries. I am sure that the work of the current forum and the thematic meetings, round tables, and negotiations held within its framework will certainly be useful. It will contribute to the achievement of all our common goals," he said.

Furthermore, the African nations could become food producers and even exporters by getting necessary technologies, with Russia only supporting these efforts, the president outlined.

"Actually, we are sure that by implementing certain agricultural technologies and correct organization of agricultural production, Africa can not only feed itself, ensure its own food security, but it will also be able to become exporter of different kinds of goods," Putin stressed.

The president also said that he had discussed the transfer of agricultural production technologies at a meeting with African colleagues.

He noted that it is necessary to switch to financial settlements in national currencies with African countries, including in rubles.

"To further expand the entire range of trade and economic ties, it is important to switch to national currencies with more enthusiasm, including the ruble, in financial settlements on trade transactions," the president emphasized.

Second Russia–Africa Summit

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The Russian president stressed that the country is ready to assist the African continent in introducing the most advanced agricultural technologies.

"My African colleagues told me: "We have the ability to produce food. We need the appropriate technologies and support." For its part, Russia is ready to share expertise in the field of agricultural production with African countries, to assist in the introduction of the most advanced technologies," Putin stated.

In addition, he noted that Russia is in favor of establishing cooperation between the Eurasian Economic Union and the African Union.

"Russia is interested in strengthening mutli-aspect ties with all regional integration organizations and structures on the [African] continent. For instance, we are in favor of establishing cooperation between the Eurasian Economic Union as the leading integration project where Russia participates and the African Continental Free Trade Area that is being established withing the African Union," the Russian leader said.

Putin Proposes to Create Joint Russia-Africa Information Space

Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed to create a joint information space shared by Russia and Africa to broadcast fair information.

"We propose to work towards the creation of a common information space in Russia and Africa, within which fair, unbiased information about events taking place in the world will be broadcast to Russian and African audiences," Putin mentioned.

The president noted that Moscow is committed to developing cooperation with the African continent in the field of mass communications, including in the areas of content exchange, organizing educational courses for media workers and students, and conducting experimental events. Work is already underway to open representative offices of leading Russian media in Africa, including Sputnik news agency.