Putin woos African leaders at a summit in Russia with promises of expanding trade and other ties
Russian President Vladimir Putin is courting leaders from Africa at a summit, hailing the continent’s growing role in global affairs and offering to expand political and business ties
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin courted leaders from Africa at a summit on Friday, hailing the continent's growing role in global affairs and offering to expand political and business ties.
Addressing the two-day day Russia-Africa summit, Putin emphasized that Moscow will closely analyze a peace proposal for Ukraine that African leaders have sought to pursue.
“This is an acute issue, and we aren't evading its consideration,” Putin said, emphasizing that Russia is treating the African initiative with respect and “looking at it attentively.”
Putin also reaffirmed his pledge that Russia will maintain steady supplies of grain and other agricultural products to the continent after its withdrawal from a deal allowing grain shipments from Ukraine that fueled concerns of global food crisis.
