By Anthony Marcus – Eurasia Business News, August 3, 2023

Russian President Vladimir Putin and the heads of seven African states adopted a joint statement following discussions on a peaceful settlement in Ukraine and grain supplies at the second Russia-Africa summit held in St. Petersburg, RIA Novosti news agency reported.

« Leaders acknowledged the progress made since then on the proposals discussed at the first meeting on 17 June 2023 on humanitarian issues, in particular those related to children’s rights in armed areas and prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, and agreed that humanitarian efforts will continue to yield further results,” indicates the document cited by the above-mentioned agency.

The joint statement envisages further discussions on a peace initiative on Ukraine. The parties also called for the elimination of restrictions on the export of cereals and fertilizers to Russia for the resumption of the grain agreement.

Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the length of approval of the declaration was due to “editorial problems.”

On July 29, Dmitry Peskov said that following the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and African leaders, a joint statement on Ukraine was being prepared.

« You heard the statements of Putin and Mr. [South African President Cyril] Ramaphosa, they were public. The discussion then took place behind closed doors. Following the outcome of this meeting, a brief joint statement is being prepared,” he said. On July 31, Dmitry Peskov said that Russia had handed over to South Africa its version of the draft declaration on Ukraine.

The leaders called for concrete steps to remove barriers to the export of Russian grain and fertilizers, which will allow the full resumption of the implementation of the Black Sea initiative endorsed by the UN Secretary-General on 22 July 2022 in Istanbul.

It is reported that participants in the Russia-Africa summit also called on the UN to take the necessary measures to release 200,000 tons of Russian fertilizer blocked in European Union seaports for immediate and free delivery to Africa granted by Russia.

The Russia-Africa summit was held in St. Petersburg on July 27-28. The participation of delegations from 49 countries, including 17 leaders of African States, was announced. Following the forum, a Russian-African declaration was adopted with points on cooperation in the fields of security, economy, education, etc.

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Several African leaders remained in St. Petersburg to attend the main parade of the Russian fleet on July 30, at the mouth of the Neva River and the Gulf of Finland, under the windows of the imperial winter palace Hermitage.

Targeted by Western sanctions, Russian President Vladimir Putin participated Thursday, July 27 in the plenary session of the Russia-Africa Forum and personally met with the leaders of the countries of the continent who came to St. Petersburg until the evening of July 28.

The previous Russia-Africa summit was held in Sochi in 2019 and aimed to double exchanges between Russia and Africa. This year’s summit is expected to focus on economic cooperation, with African leaders looking to President Vladimir Putin for concrete commitments on grain shipments.

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At the multilateral summit, the Russian president promised free shipments of Russian grain to six African countries. However, analysts warn that East Africa could face food shortages due to complications related to Russia’s exit from the grain initiative. The summit is also an opportunity for Moscow to strengthen Russia’s ties with African countries and expand its influence on the continent, and counter Western powers.

The cereals agreement was terminated on 18 July. Russia has notified Turkey, Ukraine and the UN that it opposes the extension of the initiative negotiated in July 2022. The multilateral agreement involved the export of Ukrainian grain via the Black Sea, as well as the lifting of restrictions on the export of Russian food and fertilizers to world markets. Moscow stressed that the agreement did not work for Russia, while “Ukrainian grain was mainly destined for European customers and not for African states that need it.”

Earlier, the Russian president said that Russia considers the African Union a leading regional organization and is ready to help strengthen the sovereignty of African states. According to him, the Russian side is also ready to help Africa become “one of the key partners in the new system of a multipolar world order”.

Economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa slowed to 3.6% in 2022, and it is projected to further slow down to 3.1% in 2023, according to the World Bank. The persistent sluggishness of the global economy, high inflation rates, challenging financial conditions, and high levels of debt contribute to this slowdown.

Growth prospects on the continent vary across countries. While some countries may experience positive economic growth, others may face challenges and slower growth rates.

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