Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated that Africa’s role in the international arena is growing, and Russia will work to develop relations with the African continent. This was discussed during the meeting of the President of Russia and Senegal, Maki Sall, who arrived in Sochi this morning, at which the President continued that Russia and Senegal celebrated the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In a few days, the world will also celebrate the creation of the African Union.

Putin noted that Russia has always supported Africa in its struggle against colonialism. Three years ago, Russia hosted the Russia-Africa Summit, which put Russian-African relations on the threshold of a new stage, in which Russia reaffirms its interest in the brown continent. He noted that in the first months of this year, the trade turnover increased by 34%, and Russia intends to move along this path.

For his part, the President of Senegal stressed that the current crisis has complicated matters, especially in relation to grains and fertilizers, as well as in relation to food security in the African continent as a whole.