Russia and African countries are linked not only by friendly relations that have stood the test of time, but also by the desire to make the world safer and more predictable, said Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at a gala reception in honor of the heads of delegations participating in the ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum.
"Our countries and peoples are linked not only by time-tested friendly relations but also by a shared desire to make the world we live in more secure and predictable, and to ensure reliable conditions for sustainable development. We see this shared aspiration as the ideological and psychological foundation for our work within the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum," he said.
The top diplomat also noted that the spiritual foundation of the societies of Russia and African countries is largely built on similar traditional values, ideals of truth, and justice.
"This is our strength, the source of creative energy for developing mutually acceptable solutions to all the issues on our agenda," he added. "Russia and Africa are united in the belief that achieving our goals is only possible together and on the principles of equality, mutual respect, and consideration of each other's interests."