Russian officials and African nations committed to deepening strategic collaboration across political, security, and economic domains at the first Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, held on November 10, 2024, in Sirius.
This partnership aims to establish a more just and stable world order, according to a joint statement released on November 11.
The conference was attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, foreign ministers from UN-recognized African countries, leaders from the African Union Commission, and major African integration organizations.
The participants highlighted the importance of continued dialogue within the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum and expressed a shared commitment to UN reforms that would enhance African representation on the Security Council.
They also voiced opposition to neocolonialism and the exploitation of Africa’s resources.
The parties underscored the need for collaborative global peace efforts, including a strengthened international framework on arms control and disarmament, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and safeguarding outer space from militarization.
They also pledged joint action against terrorism and violent extremism and advocated for a united mechanism for international information security.
Economic development was a key topic, with Russia and African leaders committing to support the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
They pledged to strengthen trade and economic cooperation, aiming to enhance Africa’s development infrastructure and resource management.
The forum marks a significant step in Russia’s outreach to Africa, following previous commitments at the 2019 Sochi and 2023 Saint Petersburg Russia-Africa summits.
Both sides praised the progress made since those meetings and reaffirmed their dedication to a collaborative future.