"As regards reduction in number of foreign leaders that have arrived [to attend the summit], it has indeed happened. It is largely due to working plans of leaders, but of course, there is a bit of what we have discussed with you earlier. It is absolutely undisguised, brazen interference of the United States, France and other countries through their diplomatic missions in African states, and they are trying to exert pressure on the leadership of these countries to prevent their active participation in the forum," Peskov told reporters.
The spokesman stated that these actions by the West were outrageous, though it would not create obstacles to the organization of the summit.
July 27-28, the Second Russia-Africa Summit will take place in the Russian city of St. Petersburg. According to the Kremlin, the summit is an advantageous platform to discuss grain exports and Russia's support for Africa. The meeting is expected to provide the participants with opportunities to sign many international and bilateral documents, the spokesman noted earlier.