Russia can successfully strengthen African security and statehood, Director of the Foreign Policy Planning Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry Alexey Drobinin stated in an article for the journal Russia in Global Affairs.
"Russia can do much to strengthen the statehood of African countries. We have begun to promote our role as a guarantor of the comprehensive security of the continent's states," he said.
Among Russia's contributions to stabilization and the creation of conditions for development on the continent, Drobinin mentioned the presence of Russian military instructors, the training of armed forces and law enforcement personnel, the supply and repair of military equipment, and support for legitimate authorities in conflict situations.
"Russia can assist Africa in solving the strategic task of sovereignty in key areas of life and getting out from under all forms of neocolonial dependence," the diplomat noted.
In Africa, Russia is seen as a force that stands up for truth, equality and justice in the international arena, standing in defense of genuine sovereignty and statehood, emphasized Drobinin, who accompanied Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on his numerous working visits to African countries.
"There are no states in Africa that are unfriendly to Russia. Not a single country on the continent has joined anti-Russian sanctions. Africa ranks first among those who refuse to support anti-Russian draft resolutions of the UNGA initiated by the West," he pointed out.
Notably, African experts link Russia's special military operation in Ukraine to the success of the continent's peoples in their struggle for independence, noting that "the course of Russia's confrontation with the West influences the mood of national-oriented, sovereign forces in the region," the official added.