Russian President Vladimir Putin said African nations will become one of the main pillars and pioneers of the new world order, stressing that relations between Russia and Africa are developing to unprecedented levels, and Moscow aims to expand these ties.

Putin made the remarks addressing the 'Russia-Africa in a Multipolar World' plenary session as part of the second Russia-Africa International Parliamentary Conference held on Monday, which is attended by representatives of over 40 African countries.

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"African states are constantly increasing their role in world affairs. More and more confidently declare their position in politics and economics. We are convinced that Africa will become one of the leaders of the emerging multipolar world order," he said.

Despite only accounting for 3% of world GDP, African countries are witnessing exponential economic growth, Putin noted, adding that Russia aspires to reach a strategic partnership with the African nations to jointly transition the current global affairs into the new world order.

Highlighting that Moscow has dropped over $20 billion of African countries' debt, he emphasized the need to develop coordination and expand cooperation in areas of mutual interests, such as energy, healthcare, and the military field, stressing that Moscow will continue helping the continent expand electrical grids and energy generation.

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Russia is ready to send African nations laboratories and medicinal drugs to establish joint efforts in the mutual development of the healthcare sector and the production of medicines, Putin added.

"Military-technical cooperation continues, including the supply of Russian weapons and military equipment to African partners," Putin stated, noting that military servicemembers from over 20 African countries are currently in Russia studying at universities of the Russian Defense Ministry.

He also recalled that Russia was one of the first countries to provide Africa with vaccines and other medicinal drugs and hardware to assist the continent's fight against COVID-19 during the pandemic.

On the grain deal that was just extended for 60 days, the Russian leader emphasized that Moscow insists on the full implementation of the agreement with regard to its terms, including securing a larger amount of the food commodity to the African countries.

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"Out of the total amount of grain and food exported from Ukraine, approximately 45% went to European countries. And only 3% goes to Africa," Putin explained, revealing that Moscow agreed to the extension of the deal having in mind the need of African countries and other developed nations.

Out of 827 grain ships that left Ukraine between August 1 and September 20 of 2022, only 3 million tonnes of grain were delivered to Africa and only nearly a third reached the poorest African nations.

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Moscow will demand the full implementation of Russia's main terms to the extension of the deal, including addressing the food needs of African nations rather than "well-fed European countries."

Despite sanctions and restrictions, Russia delivered to Africa nearly 12 million tonnes during the same period [August 1 - September 20 of 2022], Putin underlined. He stressed that Russia has sent almost 12 million tonnes of grain to African countries despite all restrictions.

If Russia decides not to renew this deal after the recent 60-day extension, then it is ready to deliver all the volume that was previously sent to countries in Africa with dire need free of charge, the President added.

Toward the end of the address, the President invited the leaders of African countries to attend the upcoming Russia-Africa summit scheduled in July to take place in Saint Petersburg.

"We are very seriously preparing for the second Russian-African summit and, of course, we will be glad to see leaders from all African countries, as well as heads of regional organizations, at this forum." 

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Russia and Africa jointly aim for a just world

On his part, the head of Russia's State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, said Russia and African nations have a mutual goal to build a new multipolar world.

"Russia and African countries are united by shared goals: We stand together for building a multipolar, just world based on respect for the traditions, culture, and history of the countries with which we are building mutually beneficial cooperation," Volodin said.

The conference brought together nations that are aware of "the price of independence and how to decide for themselves how to live," he said, stressing that Russia-Africa relations "are at a new stage."

"Africa is a continent of freedom-loving people. Together, we can withstand any external pressure, as we have already done in our history. Friendship is a two-way street," he added.