Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday, May 25, announced plans to deepen cooperation with African nations through an expanded diplomatic framework, signalling a growing strategic interest in the continent amid shifting global alliances.
In a message marking Africa Day, Putin said a new ministerial-level format under the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum is yielding positive results and revealed that the next high-level meeting is scheduled to take place in an African country before the end of the year.
“I am confident that through joint efforts we will ensure further expansion of multifaceted Russian-African ties, for the benefit of our peoples, in the interests of building a fair and democratic multipolar world order,” Putin said.
Putin’s Message to Africa
The statement showed Moscow’s intent to boost engagement with Africa on economic, political, and security fronts, as global powers compete for influence across the resource-rich continent.
Also Read: Elon Musk Signals Major Shift After X Outage
Putin tied Russia’s outreach to broader historical milestones, noting that 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the formation of the United Nations, as well as the 65th anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.
He described these events as paving the way for the “free and peaceful development for all humankind.”
He praised the African Union and regional organizations for strengthening stability across the continent and hailed the emergence of African nations as respected members of the world community with growing economic and social achievements.
Putin also cited previous Russia-Africa summits in 2019 and 2023 as milestones in building what he called “traditionally friendly relations” and emphasized continued collaboration on international issues.
Kenya- Russia Relations
Kenya and Russia have maintained diplomatic relations since 1963, with ties rooted in Kenya’s non-aligned stance during the Cold War.
Also Read: Trump Announces Russia-Ukraine Breakthrough a Day After Brokering Peace Between India and Pakistan
Recent developments show a focus on deepening economic and trade cooperation, though relations remain modest compared to Kenya’s ties with Western powers.
In May 2023, President William Ruto hosted Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Nairobi, announcing plans to sign a trade pact to boost bilateral trade, which remains low despite potential.
Russia exports cereals, iron, steel, fertilizers, and paper to Kenya, while Kenya exports cut flowers, coffee, tea, fruits, and vegetables.
In 2021, Kenya exported $99.9 million to Russia and imported $281 million, primarily wheat. A Russian fertilizer donation of 34,000 tons was received in Mombasa in 2023, signaling continued engagement.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
