🇷🇺🇰🇪 Russian Embassy in Kenya | Посольство России в Кении

🗣 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM VLADIMIR PUTIN’S ADDRESS AT THE FIRST PLENARY SESSION OF THE THIRD RUSSIA–AFRICA SUMMIT 🌍 EQUAL PARTNERSHIP AND AFRICAN SOVEREIGNTY 🔹 Russia and African countries share similar or identical positions on many of the most pressing issues of global politics. Moscow advocates equal dialogue that takes into account the interests of all nations and seeks to strengthen Africa’s role in key international forums. 🔹 Russia is committed to supporting African countries in safeguarding their sovereignty, pursuing sustainable growth and strengthening their economies. 🔹 Putin recalled the words of Tanzania’s first President, Julius Nyerere: “Independence means relying on one’s own strength.” 🤝 EXPANDING RUSSIA–AFRICA TIES 🔹 Russia’s diplomatic presence on the continent is growing. Since the 2023 summit, eight new Russian embassies have opened, bringing the total to 48. Russia also has six trade missions covering 16 African countries. 🔹 Putin described the regular Russia–Africa summits as a format with the “highest added value”, providing a powerful impetus to the entire partnership. 💰 TRADE AND FINANCIAL COOPERATION 🔹 The rouble’s share in Russia–Africa commercial transactions has reached 85%. According to Putin, this helps protect trade from external influence and fluctuations in global markets. 🔹 Russian companies are interested in relocating part of their production to Africa, creating opportunities for local manufacturing, job creation and greater added value within African economies. 🔹 Putin stressed that Africa’s desire to generate revenue from domestic production and create jobs is entirely natural. 🌾 FOOD SECURITY 🔹 Russia remains a reliable supplier of food to Africa. In 2025, Russia exported more than 18 million tonnes of agricultural products to the continent, followed by 13 million tonnes in the first nine months of 2026. 🔹 Fertiliser supplies increased from approximately 1.5 million tonnes last year to more than 2.2 million tonnes this year. 🔹 Russia also contributes to UN food programmes supporting projects in Africa and provides humanitarian assistance to countries across the continent. 🏭 INVESTMENT, TECHNOLOGY AND LOCAL DEVELOPMENT 🔹 Putin said Russian businesses reinvest profits in Africa, transfer technology and engage local contractors, helping establish production facilities and create jobs. 🔹 Russian companies are also involved in social programmes, supporting employees and their families, funding humanitarian initiatives, protecting the environment and respecting domestic political processes. 🔹 Russia and its African partners are expanding cooperation in digital services. A declaration on Russia–Africa partnership in artificial intelligence is expected to be adopted following the Summit. 🏥 HEALTHCARE AND EPIDEMIC PREPAREDNESS 🔹 Cooperation in healthcare and epidemic prevention continues to strengthen. Russia supplies medicines, while the two sides conduct joint exercises to improve responses to infectious disease outbreaks. 🎓 EDUCATION AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE 🔹 Nearly 40,000 African students are currently studying at Russian universities, while more than 300,000 Africans have received Russian diplomas. 🔹 Branches of leading Russian universities and open education centres are being established across Africa, promoting the Russian language and culture. 🔹 Russia–Africa cooperation continues to expand across diplomacy, trade, food security, technology, healthcare and education, with an emphasis on sovereignty, investment and mutually beneficial development.