Putin tells the African Union that the bloc will join the G20 in September.
During his meeting with African leaders, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that his country will remain a “reliable” food provider to Africa.
Many of the leaders attending the St. Petersburg meeting are looking for reassurance that their countries would be able to acquire food and fertilizer after Russia let the Black Sea Grain Deal expire earlier this month.
Russia has since launched a barrage of missile strikes on Ukrainian ports and storage facilities, including one near NATO ally Romania on the Danube River.
Under normal circumstances, Ukraine is a key grain exporter to many African countries.
Putin stated that “practical decisions” in different areas of cooperation, like trade, economic cooperation, and food security, will be considered.
“Despite the difficulties caused by the pandemic and illegal sanctions, we managed to increase our trade and economic relations by 35% last year,” Putin added.
Following this initial encounter, the leaders will attend the Economic and Humanitarian Forum plenary session, where Putin is anticipated to deliver a “voluminous speech.”
Russian President will attend bilateral discussions with the leaders of Mozambique, Burundi, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Eritrea following the plenary session.
