TZ joins African nations to deepen strategic cooperation
RUSSIA: TANZANIA has joined 47 other African countries at the Third Summit of Heads of State and Government, which opened in Moscow, Russia, to discuss economic cooperation, security, science and technology and other social issues.
Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba was among African leaders who attended the opening ceremony of the summit, which was officially opened by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday.
According to a statement from the Kremlin, representatives from 48 African countries are participating in the summit, including 22 heads of state. Institutions invited to attend include the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Speaking at the opening ceremony, President Putin emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation between Russia and African countries, calling for joint efforts to promote a fairer international order.
On economic cooperation, President Putin said Russian businesses were focused on processing domestic raw materials and creating jobs rather than exporting resources for processing elsewhere.
He said this approach could create more economic opportunities by encouraging value addition and expanding industrial activities. Addressing digital financial systems, President Putin said Russia’s digital payment infrastructure would help expand cross-border payment services.
He claimed that transactions conducted through Russia’s digital financial system could not be blocked by modern technology.
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The summit also featured exhibitions showcasing Russia’s achievements and areas with potential for expanded cooperation with African countries.
President Putin toured the exhibition pavilions accompanied by some African leaders attending the summit. Held under the theme, “Platform for Independent Development: Russia’s Advanced Solutions in Key Economic and Social Sectors”, the exhibition highlights the country’s capabilities in areas including industry, agriculture, energy, transport, finance, digital technologies and communications, healthcare and education.
These sectors offer potential avenues for cooperation between Russia and African countries, particularly in promoting investment, technology transfer and economic development.
President Putin said Russia and the African Union Commission were seeking to inject fresh momentum into their relations, building on previous Russia-Africa summits held in Sochi in 2019 and St Petersburg in 2023.
The Moscow meeting is expected to provide another opportunity for both sides to discuss areas of mutual interest and explore ways to strengthen their partnership in addressing economic and social development priorities.
