Russia and the African Union have agreed to expand the supply of food, fertilisers, and agricultural resources to African countries to ensure stable supplies across the continent, according to a statement on the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.
The agreement was reached following high-level consultations on 7 July between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, at the union’s headquarters in Addis Ababa.
Alongside agricultural cooperation, the officials reviewed the current state of the Russia-Africa partnership and focused on preparations for the third Russia-Africa Summit, scheduled for 28-29 October in Moscow. The parties also discussed drafting a new joint action plan for 2027-2029, TV BRICS reported.
The meeting covered economic ties, with participants noting the importance of developing trade, investment, and industrial cooperation under the pan-African Agenda 2063 development strategy. They reaffirmed their interest in expanding partnerships across energy, infrastructure, transport, and technological development.
Discussions also addressed the reform of global governance systems. Russia expressed support for the position of African states regarding the need for fair representation of the continent within United Nations structures. The ministry said the parties highlighted the necessity for a more equitable, transparent, and development-oriented international financial architecture that accurately reflects the priorities and realities of developing countries, particularly African states.
In healthcare, Russia and the African Union agreed to explore opportunities to expand cooperation in epidemiological surveillance, the development of laboratory infrastructure, and the training of specialists.
Following the talks, Lavrov and Youssouf agreed to strengthen institutional dialogue and hold regular high-level political consultations. The next round of consultations is scheduled for 2027.
