Central African Republic's Agriculture Minister Eric Rocosse Kamot has thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for the delivery of a free consignment of Russian grain to the African country.
In an interview with Sputnik Africa, the official emphasized the free nature of the donation, saying that such actions help save lives.
"This delivery shows the sincerity of our cooperation with the Russian Federation, which has never let our country down. It will allow us to improve the support that CAR continues to provide to the most vulnerable, as well as to the refugees whose numbers are beginning to grow in the north of the country. They come from Sudan, which is in crisis, and from Chad," Kamot told Sputnik Africa.
The minister added that Russia had always honored its commitments to the Central African Republic and to African countries in general.
"Russia's sincerity and consistency in its relations with African countries is obvious, they have always developed on the basis of mutual respect," Kamot said. "We have not committed ourselves in any way to this Russian donation, and we appreciate it. We should not mix humanitarian issues with politics. It can hinder such actions aimed at saving people and improving their living conditions."
A free shipment of Russian wheat for the Central African Republic arrived at the port of Douala, Cameroon, on December 18, according to the Russian embassy in the country. After the wheat is processed into flour, the Russian food aid will be transported to the Central African capital, Bangui.