Opening of the 3rd Forum "Russia – Africa: what is next?"

On April 24 MGIMO University hosted the opening of the 3rd Forum "Russia – Africa: what is next?" More than 1,500 guests from over 50 countries are taking part in the Forum. Among the guests of honour there are the ambassadors of Tunisia, Guinea-Bissau, delegations from South Africa, Algeria, Madagascar and Rwanda, Russian politicians, scientists and diplomats.

During the opening of the forum the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation S. Lavrov made a welcome speech to the participants in video format. He noted that the forum has established itself as one of the key platforms for youth cooperation with African countries, and its work contributes to the implementation of agreements reached following the Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg. V. Nebenzya, the Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN, also sent a video message to the participants. He spoke about the effective and mutually beneficial cooperation between Russia and African countries in the UN structures.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Rector of MGIMO University A. Torkunov, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for the Middle East and Africa M. Bogdanov, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Africa L. Sisulu, the Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, the Head of LDPR L. Slutsky, the Vice-President of Transneft V. Kalanda.

In the welcoming address to the participants A. Torkunov noted that the results of the forum's activities were contributing to the implementation of Russia's foreign policy strategy in Africa. He, in particular, stressed the timeliness and relevance of intensifying youth cooperation, since Africa is the continent with the largest proportion of the population under 35 years of age.

L. Sisulu in her speech emphasized the importance of cooperation between Russia and South Africa through BRICS and other integration associations, and expressed confidence that Russia would continue to support African countries in their aspirations for free development.

L. Slutsky, in turn, noted the contribution of MGIMO University to the training of high-class personnel for the diplomatic service and intensification of cooperation with African countries. He emphasized the readiness of the State Duma to support initiatives contributing to the further development of cooperation with Africa.

V. Kolanda delivered a welcome address to the forum participants from the President of Transneft N. Tokarev and noted the huge potential for cooperation between Russia and Africa including within the framework of energy projects and technology exports.

The opening was moderated by I. Tkachenko, the Analyst of the Department for Educational Work, Executive Secretary of the Forum Programme Committee.

Within the framework of the Forum "Russia –Africa: what is next?" more than 30 events of various formats united by four global ideas such as the fight against fakes, development of academic tourism, state support for youth projects, and promotion of youth entrepreneurship are planned.

Source: the official website of MGIMO University

Illustration: the official website of MGIMO University

Photographer: I. Lileev