The first ever Russia-Africa summit has been held at the in the Black Sea resort of Sochi in Russia.
Russian media reports say the two-day event that kicked off on October 23 has reportedly seen more than 3,000 delegates from across Russia and Africa to discuss an array of topics from nuclear energy to mineral extraction.
Citing Yuri Ushakov, Aide to the Russian President for International Affairs, Russian media outlets say all 54 African states sent their representatives to the meeting, including 43 heads of state or government.
“We currently export to Africa $25 billion ($22.5 billion) worth of food — which is more than we export in arms, at $15 billion. In the next four to five years I think we should be able to double this trade, at least," Putin said.in his opening remarks
Russia has dominated arms sales in Africa but this time, Putin has promised further African cooperation without “political or other” interference. This reportedly comes as a reassurance to African states who have previously expressed concerns about dependence on China.
In addition to military and security cooperation with Africa, Vladimir Putin also pledged Russian commitment to combat the Ebola virus with aid, and the training of "African cadres" by Russian universities.
"Joint projects are underway in extractive industries, agriculture, healthcare and education," Putin said in his opening remarks.
Meanwhile, AFP says Russia has been showing off its next generation Kalashnikov assault rifles, helicopters and facial recognition systems as President Vladimir Putin hosts dozens of African leaders for a major summit in Sochi.
Russia has been a major supplier of weapons and military equipment to African nations and the country’s arms exporter hopes the first Russia-Africa summit will help further boost business on the continent.
“We would like to expand our presence there, of course,” Rosoboronexport director Alexander Mikheyev told AFP.
He said that African countries now accounted for 40 percent of the exporter’s current orders.
Rosoboronexport said it planned to conduct meetings with the top leadership of 15 countries on the sidelines of the summit.
