Russia suggests to hold Africa summit every 3 years

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russian President Vladimir Putin offered on Thursday to hold the Russia-Africa Summit every three years.

Russia gives priority to the development of African countries in its foreign policy, Putin said, speaking at a plenary meeting of the Russia-Africa Summit in the Black Sea city of Sochi.

The Russian leader stressed African states "steadily gain political and economic weight", asserting themselves as "one of the important pillars of a multipolar world".

Putin blamed terrorism, extremist ideology, transnational criminality as the main factors hindering the development of African countries.

"In this regard, we consider it important to increase joint efforts in the fight against terrorism and extremism. We plan to intensify contacts between law enforcement agencies and special services of the Russian Federation and African countries, coordinate efforts and exchange relevant information," he said, by adding that Russia will continue educating African military and intelligence staff and strengthening defense and military cooperation.

Russia also wants to expand cooperation with the African continent in trade, education and agriculture, Putin said.

Russia’s coastal city of Sochi is hosting the Russia-Africa summit which kicked off on Wednesday with an economic forum.

Co-chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Egypt’s leader Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, the global event will see Thursday the leaders and top officials of the African countries to examine the current state and prospects of Russia's relations with African countries and discuss the expansion of the economic, political, technical and cultural cooperation.