ST PETERSBURG, Russia: Russia has signed military cooperation agreements with more than 40 African states, President Vladimir Putin announced in St Petersburg on Friday.
The announcement came during the second and final day of the second Russia-Africa Summit. He said “We are developing partnerships in military and military-technical cooperation with more than 40 African states to strengthen the defence capabilities of the countries. African states received a wide range of weapons and technology, some for free. Some of these deliveries are provided on a gratuitous basis with the aim of enhancing the security and sovereignty of the countries.”
Representatives from African countries were invited to actively participate in Russia-organised military forums dealing with the technical aspects of the weapons and also manoeuvers to become familiar with the equipment and its use.
The Russian president also announced that his country would help countries in their efforts to free themselves from the “vestiges of colonialism.” He reiterated that Russia would continue to be a reliable grain supplier to the continent’s countries.
