On December 19, the Valdai Discussion Club hosted an expert discussion, on the theme “Russia’s Return to Africa: Interests, Challenges, Prospects”.
The diplomatic initiatives of Russia in the African direction are growing stronger. Next year, a whole cycle of major political, expert and cultural events is planned with African countries, which should be crowned by a full-scale Russia-Africa summit.
The BRICS format plays an important role in the development of relations between Russia and Africa. This year, the BRICS was chaired by South Africa, and this made it possible to place particular emphasis in the African dimension.
Another possible direction of Russia’s cooperation with African countries is related to migration from Africa. Russia supported the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration agreement at the recent UN International Conference in Marrakesh, confirming that it would contribute to the streamlining of global migration processes, including the African continent.
How interesting is Africa today for Moscow geopolitically and economically, and vice versa? Who are the main competitors on the African market and what advantages has Russia in comparison with other players? The participants of the discussion will answer these and other questions.
Speakers:
Natalia Zaiser, the Chairperson of the Board of the African Business Initiative;
Andrei Maslov, coordinator of the work on the Russia Africa Shared Vision 2030 report, "Integration Expertise" Analytical Center;
Oleg Ozerov, Deputy Director of the Africa Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia; Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (2010-2017).
Moderator:
Working languages: Russian, English.