As An Andalan Partner, Putin Committed To Helping Africa With Food Assistance

Archival - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov runs before the 30th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) meeting in Jakarta, Friday (14/7/2023). (Doc. BETWEEN PHOTOS/Aditya Pradana Putra/nz)

JAKARTA - In the midst of the changing dynamics of international relations, Russia has confirmed its position as a reliable partner for Africa. This is not only limited to cooperation in the food security sector, but also includes achieving the main goals in social and economic development at the national level.

In an interview with The International Affairs magazine recently released by the Russian Foreign Ministry, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, expressed the importance of this relationship. Africa, according to him, sees Russia as a strong ally in maintaining military and political stability, resolving regional conflicts, and fighting alongside terrorism, drug trafficking, and other cross-border threats.

Lavrov, quoted from ANTARA, Saturday, August 19, also highlighted the second Summit between Russia and Africa which was held in St Petersburg last July. This summit is clear evidence of Russia's strong commitment and African countries to expand their cooperation. Despite the ongoing pressure from the West, the summit insists that Africa has high confidence in Russia.

In the event, no less than 48 African countries and regional associations participated, including 27 state and government leaders. This shows that developing countries value Russia's independent foreign policy. Efforts by the United States and its allies to isolate Russia from the international stage have failed.

In addition, Russia remains a supplier of reliable energy, food, fertilizer, and medicine resources to Africa. Humanitarian aid remains an important part of this cooperation, helping African countries in need.

Russian President Vladimir Putin even promised to provide free food assistance to Africa after Russia left the Black Sea food deal. This is in response to their demands to remove barriers to Russia's fertilizer exports and return Russian agricultural banks to the international payment system SWIFT. With this action, Russia strengthens its relations with Africa as a loyal and solid partner.