Allow me first to add my thanks to our host, His Excellency the President of Russia, for inviting us to this Summit and for the outstanding hospitality we have enjoyed in Sochi, also especially for me at a personal level yesterday.
I also congratulate both Co-Chairs for the excellent organisation of this important meeting. The ties between Russia and Africa are long-standing, as mentioned by many, including with my country, Rwanda.
This moment is particularly favourable because Africa is at a turning point in many ways, including in terms of both trade and technology.
The African Continental Free Trade Area is soon to be the world’s largest, creating new opportunities for African companies and for our investors and partners from around the world, Russia among them.
We therefore welcome greater cooperation in fields such as information technology, scientific research, and new sources of energy, where Russia enjoys a reputation for excellence.
Trade between Russia and Africa has the potential for significant growth in the years ahead. To speed up this trend, we expect to see more frequent contact between our respective business communities, and other institutions, going forward.
For our part, it is essential to maintain a conducive and predictable overall governance environment, with equal rights and opportunities for all players.
Our focus should be on deriving practical results from our cooperation efforts, with clear mutual benefit. Doing so would indeed represent an important contribution to building an equitable international order and a brighter future for all our peoples.
I thank you, Mr President and the Heads of State, for your kind attention.