17/07/2019 – About 35 leaders of African countries have by now officially confirmed their participation in the Russia-Africa Summit and more participants are expected to join in, Russian Presidential Envoy for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said on Wednesday.
« Almost all of them want to come. About 35 leaders have officially confirmed [their participation], » he said. « I believe at least 40 leaders will come. The number [of participants] will be growing. We do feel our partners’ commitment and their keen interest. »
According to Bogdanov, the Russia-Africa summits could be held every two or three years. « It is not a one-time event but the start of a long way. We would like to continue that, every two to three years on a regular basis. Of course, the venue will change, » the senior diplomat told reporters.
About the Russia-Africa Summit
The first Russia-Africa Summit is due to be held in Russia’s Black Sea resort city of Sochi on October 24, 2019. The forum will be co-chaired by Presidents of Russia and Egypt, Vladimir Putin and Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who is holding the African Union presidency in 2019.
The summit was preceded by a series of events. On June 20-21, Moscow hosted the Russia-Africa Economic Conference as followed by the Russia-Africa Parliamentary Conference on July 3.
TASS
Sahel-Elite |Photo:The Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry © Anton Novoderezhkin/TASS
Sahel-Elite (Bamako-Mali) 