Joint Statement on Political Consultation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat, Moscow, 16 November 2021
17 November 202115:04
2338-17-11-2021
Pursuant to the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Russian Federation and the African Union on Basic Principles of Relations and Cooperation of October 24, 2019 a representative delegation headed by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission H.E. Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat visited Moscow upon invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation H.E. Mr. Sergey Lavrov. The Heads of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and the African Union Commission held a meeting on November 16,2021.
During the negotiations the Parties emphasized that despite the current global challenges they are firmly committed to further strengthen close cooperation between the Russian Federation and the African Union Commission to achieve common objectives of establishing peace, ensuring security, stability and creating conditions for sustainable development.
An in-depth analysis of the state and prospects for promoting multifaceted partnership between Russia and Africa was the key topic of discussion. The need to expand political dialogue, implement economic and infrastructure projects that can positively affect the living conditions of the population of the continent, build up cooperation in scientific, educational, humanitarian and cultural areas was underlined.
The Parties confirmed that the Second Russia – Africa Summit will take place in 2022, discussed in detail the possible dates and venue of the event, taking into account the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The Parties agreed to finalize the Draft of the Russian Federation – African Union Commission Action Plan for 2022-2025 in the soonest possible manner to ensure its adoption during the Second Russia – Africa Summit. The AU expresses its readiness to work closely with Russia in the implementation of the Action plan.
The Russian Side also expressed a hope for translation into practice of cooperation between the African Union and the Eurasian Economic Commission in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding signed during the First Russia – Africa Summit in Sochi.
While considering main issues of international and regional agenda the Parties noted with satisfaction proximity of approaches to key issues of the modem world. Much attention was paid to the conflict resolution through dialogue and peaceful approach on the African continent. The Russian Side welcomed the efforts of the African Union in reconciling those engaged in the Ethiopian conflict. The Parties discussed in detail the situation in the Sahel Region, including Mali, noted the need for a comprehensive solution to the crisis, exchanged views on the processes in the Great Lakes region, as well as in Libya, Sudan.
The Parties expressed their concern about the growth and spread of international terrorism, piracy, cross-border organized crime, illegal migration, noted the need to join efforts in the fight against these threats. In order to enhance Africa's capacity to search for African solutions to African problems, Russia is ready to expand the assistance in training African peacekeepers, to build up the cooperation of the relevant bodies.
The Sides expressed serious concern about the ongoing spread of the new coronavirus infection and its consequences, stressed the need to improve international cooperation to fight epidemics, pandemics and other public health threats. They agreed to explore the possibilities for vaccine manufacturing on the continent. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation H.E. Mr. Sergey Lavrov pronounced Russia's intention to continue providing specialized assistance to African States on bilateral level and through international structures.
The Parties reaffirmed the key role of the joint efforts of the United Nations and the African Union in dealing with acute challenges the countries of the continent presently facing. In this context the importance of strengthening cooperation between the two organizations on the African peacekeeping track was noted. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission H.E. Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat stressed the need for African peacekeeping missions to access funding from UN eligible resources.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation H.E. Mr. Sergey Lavrov stressed that Russia as a Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council will consistently pay its most serious attention and provide the necessary support to African initiatives aimed at resolving conflict situations in Africa.
H.E. Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat welcomed Russia's position in favor of expanding the representation of developing States, including African States, in the United Nations Security Council, which would facilitate adaptation of the Global Organization to modem realities and respond to the increased role of the continent's countries on the world arena. The Parties agreed that the commitment of African States to the "Ezulwini Consensus" and the Sirte Declaration creates the basis to reach such transformation of the Council that would meet the interests and aspirations of Africans.
The Sides agreed to interact in issues of the impacts of the climate change on the continent.
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