By – Lawal Sale
In a combined effort to tame terrorism and other criminal activities, Russia is joining forces with number of African countries to achieve peace and stability. Both sides recocnize that terrorism poses a threat to global security and stability.
Cooperation between Russia and African nations includes sharing experience and information management as well as joint action to prevent terrorist attacks and combat the financing of terrorism.
According to Anton Kobyakov, an Advisor to the Russian President and Executive Secretary of the Russia-Africa Ministerial Conference, Russia has so far signed military-technical co-operation agreements with 33 African countries; this he said on the sidelines of the on-going two-day Russia- Africa Ministerial Conference in the Southern Russian city of Russia.
He said, “For Russia, the role of a security provider for the African countries is practical, vital, and necessary.
Kobyakov further noted that “the West is not interested in resolving conflicts in Africa but in creating tensions on the continent.”
He added that Russia recognises and supports the efforts of African countries to review neocolonial practices. Emphasising that “Russia is ready to develop cooperation with African nations on a wide range of issues, including security.” He said.
Russia-Africa Partnership First Ministerial Conference aims to strengthen comprehensive cooperation between Russia and African nations in areas of security, humanitarian issues, agro-industrial complex, politics, science and technology, education, economy and media exchanges.
