Russia: The Russian President, Mr. Vladimir Putin, told the African leaders at a summit that Moscow is making efforts to prevent a global food crisis. The President has also offered free grain to six African countries including Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Eritrea and the Central African Republic.
“Our country will continue supporting needy states and regions, in particular with its humanitarian deliveries. We seek to actively participate in building a fairer system of distribution of resources. We are taking maximum efforts to avert a global food crisis,” Mr. Putin stated.
The summit was attended by nearly 50 African leaders and officials in St Petersburg, Russia.
“I have already said that our country can replace Ukrainian grain, both on a commercial basis and as grant aid to the neediest African countries, more so since we expect another record harvest this year,” the Russian President further added.
The two-day summit is being scrutinised as a test of his support in Africa, where Putin retains backing despite international isolation sparked by his invasion of Ukraine last year, as per the statement.
The Russian Government has accused Western countries of trying to prevent African states from participating in the summit.
A year ago, both Russia and Ukraine reached an agreement that reopened three Ukrainian Black Sea ports for food exports. However, last week, Russia chose not to renew the deal, citing its concern that its own exports were being delayed or held up.
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