Putin pledges multilateral trade, free grain supply with Africa

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia is genuinely interested in deepening multifaceted trade, investment and humanitarian ties with Africa, which would meet the needs of all countries. The president made the statement in his opening speech during the plenary session of the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum in St. Petersburg.

The Russian leader stressed the importance of uninterrupted food supplies to African countries and Russia will continue supplying grain to African nations. The Russian leader added that progress has been made in joint agricultural, energy and industrial cooperation, saying more than 30 joint energy projects are currently being implemented in 16 African states.