Vladimir Putin hosted 48 African leaders, including 22 heads of state, at the third Russia-Africa economic and humanitarian summit in Moscow on October 28 and 29. To welcome his guests, the Russian president personally led a guided tour of the "Made in Russia" exhibition, showcasing the nation's resources and achievements ranging from grain production to satellite technology.
In his opening address on October 28, Putin pledged to increase commercial exchanges with Africa, describing it as a natural ally. He simultaneously launched a fierce critique against Western countries, accusing them of attempting to return Africans to slavery through debt. Putin emphasized that the Russian approach differs fundamentally from that of Western business interests, which he characterized as greedy and exploitative.
According to the Russian president, unlike Western entities seeking to seize the continent's wealth, Russian companies do not engage in predatory or neocolonial exploitation of natural and human resources. Instead, he stated they focus on processing raw materials locally. Putin argued that Russia, being rich in its own resources, has no predatory aims but seeks to share technology, develop industrial potential, and create jobs. He concluded by asserting that the era where a small bloc of states decided the fate of entire continents is fading forever, promising the arrival of a fairer world.
Sources: Le Monde International.