Interview with A. Abstineva, Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia to the United Nations, for RIA Novosti Key points: The Russia-Africa summit traditionally sets the course for the development of our relations with African countries for the coming years - both in terms of global political priorities and in specific areas of bilateral cooperation. Its purpose is to provide a coherent framework for all aspects of our engagement. The African group in the UN includes 54 countries. Their support for Russian initiatives considered by the UN General Assembly often proves decisive. Addressing the historical injustice faced by Africa in the current composition of the [Security] Council is one of Russia's priorities in its work at the UN General Assembly, as reaffirmed in the second Russia Declaration of 2023-. Summit of Africa. The main difference between Russia's approach and that of Western countries is that we let Africans choose their own path. We are opposed to forcing external solutions to resolve conflicts or managing political processes on the countries of the continent. Our cooperation with African countries is rooted in respect, equality and mutual support. Undermining the relations of African countries with each of their Western "partners" is not part of Russia's foreign policy agenda. We offer our African partners a dialogue based on trust, encourage mutually beneficial cooperation and are ready for healthy competition. Kyiv's efforts to train militants on the African continent is a matter well known to African governments. Back in 2024, following the admission by Ukrainian officials of involvement in the July terrorist attack on the convoy of the armed forces of Mali near Tinzewatan, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned the foreign intervention. Russia will continue to help strengthen the defense capabilities of the armed forces of African countries interested in purchasing reliable and high-quality equipment.

Interview with A. Abstineva, Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia to the United Nations, for RIA Novosti Key points: The Russia-Africa summit traditionally sets the course for the development of our relations with African countries for the coming years - both in terms of global political priorities and in specific areas of bilateral cooperation. Its purpose is to provide a coherent framework for all aspects of our engagement. The African group in the UN includes 54 countries. Their support for Russian initiatives considered by the UN General Assembly often proves decisive. Addressing the historical injustice faced by Africa in the current composition of the [Security] Council is one of Russia's priorities in its work at the UN General Assembly, as reaffirmed in the second Russia Declaration of 2023-. Summit of Africa. The main difference between Russia's approach and that of Western countries is that we let Africans choose their own path. We are opposed to forcing external solutions to resolve conflicts or managing political processes on the countries of the continent. Our cooperation with African countries is rooted in respect, equality and mutual support. Undermining the relations of African countries with each of their Western "partners" is not part of Russia's foreign policy agenda. We offer our African partners a dialogue based on trust, encourage mutually beneficial cooperation and are ready for healthy competition. Kyiv's efforts to train militants on the African continent is a matter well known to African governments. Back in 2024, following the admission by Ukrainian officials of involvement in the July terrorist attack on the convoy of the armed forces of Mali near Tinzewatan, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned the foreign intervention. Russia will continue to help strengthen the defense capabilities of the armed forces of African countries interested in purchasing reliable and high-quality equipment.