Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the creation of a fund for the development of cooperation between Russia and Africa.
He announced this at the VTB forum “Russia Calling!”.
“Everyone is talking about only one thing – to build mutually beneficial cooperation. We will do this. We will create new tools: it was decided to create a special fund for the development of our cooperation with African countries.
“I am sure that we will step up our efforts both bilaterally and in terms of working with various African associations. I am sure that the result will be very good,” the head of state said.
Putin clarified that so far the trade turnover between Russia and African countries is low.
“We are united especially by the prospects for the development of the African continent. Of course, we will do everything to improve the level. Unfortunately, the trade turnover is not as large as we would like, about 25 billion, but the prospects are good. At two forums that were held at the highest level, we have already felt the mood of the leaders,” the head of state stressed.