🎙 Opening remarks by President of Russia Vladimir Putin at a meeting with Chairperson of the African Union, President of Burundi Evariste Ndayishimiye on the sidelines of the Third Russia–Africa Summit (Moscow, October 29, 2026) 💬 Vladimir Putin: I would like to thank you for your substantial contribution to the success of our Summit. We are developing relations with the African Union, which you currently chair, on a solid, long-term basis. As you know, we supported your aspiration to become a full member of the #G20. 🇷🇺🇧🇮 Our bilateral relations are progressing well, and our ties continue to grow. We can discuss what further steps we can take to ensure that both political and economic cooperation underpin our shared plans for developing bilateral ties. These ties go back many years. Next year, we will mark the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. 🎓 Mr President, I understand that yesterday you were awarded an honorary doctorate from Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (#RUDN). Please accept my warmest congratulations on this occasion. #RussiaBurundi