Russia supports the involvement of the African Union in the work of international organizations and expects that the Union will become a full member of the G20 as early as September this year, said Putin during the meeting with the organization's leaders.
"We support the inclusion of the [African] Union in the work of leading international associations," the Russian leader said, adding: "Russia was one of the first to respond positively to [...] the initiative to grant the African Union full membership in the Group of 20. We expect that this decision will be taken as early as September during the G20 summit in New Delhi.
Putin also emphasized that Russia views the African Union "as a leading regional organization" that enables a modern security structure on the continent and creates conditions for ensuring Africa's worthy place in the system of global economic relations.
Speaking about Russia-Africa cooperation, the Russian leader noted that despite the difficulties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and sanctions, the countries have managed to expand economic ties, with mutual trade growing by almost 35% this year.
"Despite difficulties related to the coronavirus pandemic and illegal sanctions against Russia, we have managed to increase trade and economic relations [with Africa]over the first half of this year, trade increased by almost 35%," Putin said.
According to the president, Russia remains a reliable supplier of food to African countries. In 2022, Russian food exports to Africa amounted to $4.7 billion.
Putin pointed out that many Russian corporations are successfully operating in African countries, noting that cooperation is carried out mainly in the field of energy, mining and agriculture. In addition, there are good opportunities for cooperation in the scientific, technical, educational and cultural spheres.
"Many large Russian companies are successfully operating in Africa," he said, adding: "The key areas of cooperation are energy, mining, agriculture."
He further elaborated that Russia attaches great importance to the development of relations with the Union of the Comoros. Putin underlined that Moscow is ready for cooperation with the Comoros in all fields, adding that the relations between the countries are based on mutual respect.
"We attach great importance to relations with the Union of the Comoros, they are based on the principles of mutual respect and consideration of each other's interests, and have the potential for development in a number of areas. Surely, we are open for cooperation with your country in all areas," Putin said.
President of Comoros Azali Assoumani, for his part, highlighted that Russia is one of the most important partners for Africa, adding that Russian investments have provided economic recovery in a number of countries on the continent. According to the president, Russia has been by Africa's side in solving all the problems that the continent has faced.
Earlier, Assoumani told Sputnik that African nations are grateful to Russian President Putin for his support in promoting the continent's interests on international platforms.
The second Russia-Africa Summit is taking place in the Russian city of St. Petersburg from July 27-28. Summit participants are expected to sign a number of international and bilateral documents, the Kremlin said.