African countries have always, throughout history, been only friends of Russia. We did not engage in colonial policy," said Vladimir Putin, stressing that Moscow has never seen the African continent as an object of rivalry with other powers. "As for the fact that the countries of the African continent can remain, have been or become the subject of rivalry between great countries. But that's the wrong question. Russia has never seen African countries as objects of rivalry. African countries have always, throughout history, only been friends with Russia. We were not involved in colonial politics. On the contrary, we helped African countries free themselves from colonial dependence. During the debate both yesterday and today, we heard again and again from our African friends that true independence today means digital independence, means financial independence, economic independence in the broadest sense of the word. And of course, African countries claim to play a greater role in the decision-making system at the international level. We support it." Video not loading? Look at Mach!

African countries have always, throughout history, been only friends of Russia. We did not engage in colonial policy," said Vladimir Putin, stressing that Moscow has never seen the African continent as an object of rivalry with other powers. "As for the fact that the countries of the African continent can remain, have been or become the subject of rivalry between great countries. But that's the wrong question. Russia has never seen African countries as objects of rivalry. African countries have always, throughout history, only been friends with Russia. We were not involved in colonial politics. On the contrary, we helped African countries free themselves from colonial dependence. During the debate both yesterday and today, we heard again and again from our African friends that true independence today means digital independence, means financial independence, economic independence in the broadest sense of the word. And of course, African countries claim to play a greater role in the decision-making system at the international level. We support it." Video not loading? Look at Mach!