Prospects for Russia-Africa cooperation discussed in Moscow

Moscow has become a venue for dialogue with the African continent. The IV Forum "Russia – Africa: What Next?" opened at MGIMO University, bringing together students, experts, government officials, diplomats, and media representatives.

The opening ceremony began with a video address by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

"We support the aspiration of African nations to play an active role in global affairs. We will continue to contribute to the consolidation of the continent’s position as an independent centre of power in the emerging multipolar world order"

Sergey Lavrov Russian Foreign Minister

Speakers at the opening included MGIMO Rector Anatoly Torkunov and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa, Mikhail Bogdanov. Torkunov noted that this year the forum once again brought together over 1,500 participants.

"Today, our country is committed to strengthening comprehensive cooperation with African countries and their integration associations. In January of this year, a new dedicated department for partnership with Africa was established within our ministry," Bogdanov added.

The forum programme was rich and varied, including an African art exhibition, expert discussions, and sporting events. For the first time, the Russia-Africa Forum of Young Diplomats is also being held.

During a panel discussion on information security, Evgeniya Tolstoguzova Head of the East Asia and Africa Division of TV BRICS International Cooperation Department, spoke about the network’s cooperation with African countries.

"Content exchange in the African track is developing progressively. Today, we have established information exchange with media in South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Kenya, and Tunisia," Tolstoguzova noted.

Forum participants shared their impressions with TV BRICS, emphasising that they see the event not only as a platform for dialogue, but also as a mechanism to bring the continent's countries closer to Russia.

"I’ve been attending the forum since its second edition. I hope that next year it will be held in Africa," said Fernando Sambu Jose, Head of Direction for Work with Government Bodies and Diplomatic Missions of African Countries.

According to him, youth educational exchanges are key to long-term partnerships. This idea was echoed by MGIMO student from Nigeria David Okpatuma. He pointed out that Russia is a great place to study, as the country is becoming a symbol of a new world order based on respect and equality.

Joint events between Russia and the countries of the continent are now held on a regular basis, and each of them is not just an event, but a confirmation of the growing mutual interest.

One such meeting, the round table "Information Bridge: Russia – Africa", recently took place at the House of Unions in Moscow. Representatives of the media, the blogosphere and the expert community discussed how to present Russia-Africa relations more effectively and engagingly in the media.

Yulia Nazarkina, Head of the Africa Division at the International Cooperation Department of TV BRICS, shared the media network's experience. She stressed the importance of a multi-level approach.

"In addition to developing relations with major national media, we also work with regional media outlets in Africa. Our regional partners help enrich the international information space with the deep cultural and national specificities of the African continent. [...] Furthermore, TV BRICS acts as an information partner for a range of events in Africa, across sectors from industry-specific forums to festivals," Nazarkina said.

These events represent just part of the growing number of platforms for Russia-Africa engagement. While the formats may differ, the message is clear: cooperation with the continent is reaching a new level.

Photo: iStock