Russian President Vladimir Putin had a phone conversation with Central African Republic (CAR) President Faustin Archange Touadera on Friday to discuss food security in Africa and Russia's readiness to supply agricultural products and fertilizers.
"In an exchange of views on the issue of food security, Vladimir Putin confirmed Russia's readiness to contribute to the provision of agricultural products and fertilizers to the African countries," the Kremlin said in a statement.
Both leaders expressed their intention to enhance political, trade and economic cooperation, including on fuel and energy. "A mutual attitude to intensify cooperation in the political and economic sectors was expressed [by the leaders]," the statement said.
In addition, Putin and his counterpart agreed on the continuation of interaction to strengthen the sovereignty, safety and stability of the CAR.
According to the Kremlin, Touadera expressed gratitude for the manifold assistance provided by Russia to his country, and confirmed the intention to take part in the second Russia-Africa summit, which has been scheduled for the summer of 2023 in St Petersburg.
Earlier, the Central African Republic - among other countries - abstained when voting on the antiRussian resolution in the UN General Assembly, which did not recognize referendums in the DPR, LPR, Zaporozhye and Kherson regions. Observers from the African nation were also present in September referendums in Russia.
"During the exchange of views on the food security issue [Russian President] Vladimir Putin confirmed the Russian side’s readiness to contribute to providing agricultural products and fertilizers to the countries of the African continent," the press service of the Kremlin said in a statement on Friday following a telephone conversation between the heads of state.
The sides also "expressed their mutual desire to step up bilateral cooperation in political, trade and economic areas, including the fuel-energy sector," during the telephone conversation between the two leaders on Friday, the press service added.
According to experts from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the agricultural sectors of the Central African Republic and Cameroon are currently in the most difficult situation in the region of Central Africa.
The cost of imported cereals is rapidly rising in both countries. About 30.6 mln people are currently on the brink of starvation in the Central African Republic, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a result of a lack of food, particularly cereals.
No comments:
Post a Comment