Despite the fact that the US and its allies have exerted unprecedented pressure on African countries to prevent them from visiting St. Petersburg, those willing to uphold their national interests and develop are now planning further cooperation with Russia in various areas, defying American hegemony.
The whole world now has their eyes on the Expoforum Convention and Exhibition Centre, where officials are signing numerous agreements crucial for Africa to thrive. Political leaders are negotiating about food security, technology, trade and investment ties, military connections, and much more.
Initially, the idea of launching a platform for Russia-Africa dialogue was introduced by Russian President Vladimir Putin in July 2018 on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, with the first summit held in October 2019 in the Russian city of Sochi.
Unlike the US and the EU, Russia is willing to contribute to the development of African countries, providing agricultural products to the poorest ones and strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation with all nations interested.
Scroll through Sputnik's gallery to see images of the Second Russia-Africa Summit and Economic and Humanitarian Forum, 2023: