The message said, in part:
“We greatly appreciate your personal contribution to this association, which enhances its credibility and helps create a workable system of collective security on the continent.
Today the African Union has become an influential association whose aim is to achieve lasting peace and the conditions for sustainable socio-economic development. The organisation’s extensive participation in regional and world affairs promotes global stability and a more balanced system of international relations in a non-partisan way.
As you know, Russia attaches special importance to its traditionally friendly relations and cooperation with African countries — we talked about this during your visit to Moscow last autumn. We will continue to participate actively in the international community’s efforts to provide comprehensive assistance to Africa in achieving its objectives for growth and development.
Let me reassert our readiness to work closely with you and our hope that during your presidency of the African Union joint efforts will further promote multifaceted cooperation between Russia and the countries of the region, the expansion of business and cultural ties and the effective coordination of actions in the international arena, in order to build a just world order.”