The second Russia-Africa summit will begin on Thursday in Petersburg, Russia, in the framework of strengthening strategic relations between Russia and African countries, and raising them to a new level, the second of its kind after the last Sochi summit in October 2019, The summit will be attended by a number of African leaders including President Abdel Fattah AL-Sisi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi arrived in the Russian city of St. Petersburg late Wednesday to take part in the second edition of the summit. The African-Russian Summit was inaugurated in 2019 under the Egyptian presidency of the African Union(AU), and held its first session in Sochi under the joint Egyptian-Russian chairmanship, with the aim of consolidating and deepening the distinguished and historical relations between the African continent and Russia, as well as enhancing consultation between the two sides on how to address common challenges, said Ahmed Fahmy, the Egyptian Presidency Spokesperson. Fahmy said the second summit this year will include two plenary sessions and will issue a final declaration. A number of economic, commercial and cultural events will also be held on the sidelines of the summit, including the Economic and Humanitarian Forum. The visit of AL-Sisi will also witness a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations at all levels, within the framework of the close ties between Egypt and Russia, the spokesman said, adding that the two countries are keen to strengthen their cooperation and continue intensive consultations on international and regional issues of common interest. For his part, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed on Wednesday Russia's determination to continue developing relations with African countries, stimulating trade and investment with them, and helping them fight poverty and strengthen their sovereignty. "Cooperation with Africa has reached a new level in recent years, and Russia intends to develop it to stimulate trade and investment and to work together on issues including fighting poverty, ensuring food security, and combating climate change," Putin said in a welcome speech to forum participants and guests in Petersburg. He also stressed that Russia will continue to assist African countries in strengthening their sovereignty and their active participation in resolving regional and international issues. 'Of course, we will continue to assist African partners in every way possible in strengthening their countries' national and cultural sovereignty and developing their participation in resolving regional and international issues.", he said. Putin noted that Africa has become one of the poles of the crystallized multi-polar world, reiterating Moscow's support for African countries' aspirations for social and economic stability and progress. The work of the Forum includes 4 themes: The New Global Economy, which will focus on expanding business cooperation between Russia and African countries. As for the security aspect, it will address how African countries can benefit from Russia's security potential. The third axis is science and technology, which includes industrial cooperation as a means towards achieving technological sovereignty and providing the advanced technology necessary to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development in Africa, and will include sessions on nuclear, digital and technology in the health care sector. The Russian-African summit will discuss humanitarian and social issues, including cooperation in the sectors of education, culture, sports and the empowerment of women and youth.
