Expert Calls on Opening Direct Logistics Corridors Between Russia and Africa and Rise in Cooperation

Interaction between Russia and Africa should not be limited to free assistance to the continent, but should reach the level of mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of education, science and trade, Malick Niang, a member of the board of directors of the West African Fertilizer Association (WAFA Fertilizer) in charge of Communication for Russia, told Sputnik Africa.

"We believe that relations between Russia and African countries should go much further — in research, science, education. We have a lot to share, because Russia is the largest country in the world, so it has excellent knowledge in the field of managing a vast territory, and has advanced knowledge in many scientific fields. […] Let this be a mutually beneficial cooperation for all parties," Niang said.

The expert welcomed the news of the delivery of the first batch of grain as part of Russia's gratuitous assistance to six African countries: Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Somalia, Central African Republic, Mali, and Eritrea. He added that Africa is still waiting for the remaining supplies, but he has "no doubt" that Russia will fulfill its promises.

"We are waiting for [the same] news about other countries [that should receive grain from Russia], and we have no doubt that, like Somalia, all other countries will benefit from this very important assistance. This is really big news, and we understand of course that Russia is keeping its word," Niang told Sputnik Africa.

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Moreover, Niang emphasized that such partnership with Russia is particularly important as African countries increase their presence in the global economy.

"We see that Vladimir Putin keeps his word, and this is very much appreciated, especially in those moments when we reach the regional level and even the global level. […] We have a reliable partner who honors its obligations," he argued.

Niang said that the Russian president had made "courageous decision" to supply aid directly to the African countries after the Black Sea Grain Initiative expired, which had resulted in only a small amount of grain reaching Africa and most of it going to well-fed European countries.

At the end of the interview, the expert called for the opening of direct logistic corridors between Russia and Africa, so that other countries would not be able to interfere in the cooperation between Russia and African countries.

It is extremely important that there are connections, that there is communication, that there are direct exchanges. This will ensure that, when there is a decision [...] to come to the aid of a country, other countries cannot block it. [...] So we really think that we need to go beyond, open logistics corridors, have direct connections with Russia and Africa.

In July, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that his nation would supply humanitarian grain to six African countries — Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Somalia, Central African Republic, Mali, and Eritrea — all of them listed by the World Food Program.

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According to Russian Minister of Agriculture Dmitry Patrushev, the first Russian ships, each carrying 25,000 tons of wheat, sailed for Burkina Faso and Somalia on November 17. Additionally, he declared that by the end of the year, up to 200,000 tons of Russian wheat would be shipped at no cost to Africa.