In his message to African heads of state and government and the peoples of Africa, Mr Medvedev said, in particular:
“We are pleased to see that over these last years the countries of Africa have been making an ever more visible contribution to resolving the key problems confronting the world today. They are playing a constructive role in strengthening the global partnership in the interests of building a just multi-polar world and affirming the supremacy of international law.
Russia welcomes the continent’s efforts to establish the foundations for collective security, including through creating its own peacekeeping capability. We also value greatly your consistent policy of intensifying political and economic integration through the African Union and other sub-regional groupings. The resolution and consistency with which you pursue this work will be crucial for Africa’s social and economic development.
Our country supports making international aid to Africa more effective. We will continue to take an active part in coordinated action for providing comprehensive support to the continent, including through the United Nations and the G8.
Russia and the countries of Africa share solid ties of friendship and mutual respect that have stood the test of time. It is very important that we give our cooperation new impetus today. The development of political dialogue between Russia and Africa and the increase of mutually beneficial cooperation in the trade, economic, science and technology, and humanitarian sectors offer us many new opportunities. I am sure that by working together we can make fuller use of our countries’ potential and enrich the spectrum of our diverse ties.”