Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Russia has the utmost respect for the position of African states in favour of peaceful settlement of conflicts, establishing a more just model of international relations.
“We welcome the balanced approach of our African friends towards the Ukrainian crisis,” he said while meeting African leaders this week.
He said the comprehensive development of ties with African countries is a priority of Russian foreign policy.
“We have consistently stood for further consolidating the traditionally friendly relations with African countries. We have consistently stood for further consolidating the traditionally friendly relations with African countries and the primary regional association – the African Union – based on principles of equality, mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs,” he stated.
According to Putin, all the problems in Ukraine were conceived after a state non-constitutional armed and bloody coup in 2014, which was supported by Western sponsors.
“They were pretty much open about this. And this coup is the source of the power of the current leaders in Kiev.”
Ties with Africa
He said comprehensive preparations are underway for a milestone event – the second Russia-Africa summit to be held soon here, in St Petersburg.
“I am confident that promising new directions of cooperation in political relations, trade and economic ties, science and technology, humanitarian affairs and other fields will be outlined during this event.”
Putin welcomed the balanced approach of African leaders towards the Ukrainian crisis.
“We support your aspiration to pursue independent, sovereign and peaceful policies. Friends, we appreciate your interest in seeking ways to resolve the conflict. We immediately accepted your proposal to hold talks regarding the situation around Ukraine.”
He added: “Let me stress once again that we are open to constructive dialogue with everyone who wants peace to be achieved based on the principles of justice and consideration of the legitimate interests of the parties.”
After the official talks in St Petersburg, Putin and heads of the African delegations took a walk around Peterhof, a complex consisting of a set of palaces and gardens on the coast of the Gulf of Finland.
The delegation included President of Zambia Hakainde Hichilema, Chairperson of the African Union and President of the Comoros Azali Assoumani, President of the Republic of Senegal Macky Sall, President of the South Africa Republic Cyril Ramaphosa, Prime Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt Mostafa Mabdouli, Minister of State and Director of the Cabinet of the President of the Republic of the Congo Florent Ntsiba, and Special Envoy of the President of Uganda for Special Duties Ruhakana Rugunda.
On the Russian side, the meeting was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov and Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov.