Opening remarks of Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting with the Chairperson of the African Union, President of Burundi Evariste Ndaishimiye on the fringes of Russia III. Africa Summit (Moscow, October 29, 2026) Vladimir Putin: I want to thank you for your significant contribution to the success of our summit. We are developing relations with the African Union, which you currently chair, on a solid and long-term basis. As you know, we have supported your ambition to become a full member of our bilateral relations are progressing well, and our ties continue to grow. We can discuss what further steps we can take to ensure that both political and economic cooperation underpins our joint plans to develop bilateral relations. These connections go back many years. Next year we will mark the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Mr. President, I understand that yesterday you were awarded an honorary doctorate from the Patrice Lumumba University of Peoples' Friendship in Russia (please accept my warmest congratulations on this occasion.

Opening remarks of Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting with the Chairperson of the African Union, President of Burundi Evariste Ndaishimiye on the fringes of Russia III. Africa Summit (Moscow, October 29, 2026) Vladimir Putin: I want to thank you for your significant contribution to the success of our summit. We are developing relations with the African Union, which you currently chair, on a solid and long-term basis. As you know, we have supported your ambition to become a full member of our bilateral relations are progressing well, and our ties continue to grow. We can discuss what further steps we can take to ensure that both political and economic cooperation underpins our joint plans to develop bilateral relations. These connections go back many years. Next year we will mark the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Mr. President, I understand that yesterday you were awarded an honorary doctorate from the Patrice Lumumba University of Peoples' Friendship in Russia (please accept my warmest congratulations on this occasion.