The message reads in part:
“In recent years the African countries have been increasingly active in world political, economic and humanitarian processes. They are making a noticeable contribution to the development of international cooperation and comprehensive measures to strengthen global stability and security.
“Russia highly values the efforts of the African states aimed at overcoming the problems that face the continent, in the first place, addressing the important task of settling local armed conflicts. The peace-keeping activities of the African community, the coordinating role of the African Union and its Peace and Security Council and leading sub-regional associations have a particular role to play in this.
“We welcome the commitment of the African countries to implementing the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD). Determination and consistent steps in that direction would go a long way to ensuring the social and economic progress of the continent. For its part Russia is ready to continue rendering assistance to Africa, including under the projects implemented by the UN, the G8 and other multilateral forums and organizations.
“An important and integral part of Russian foreign policy is the development of political dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation with the African states in the trade-economic, scientific-technical and cultural fields. We are convinced that close joint work will enable us to tap the significant potential of our partnership more fully.”