Russia has signed military partnership agreements with over 40 African countries.
This was announced by President Vladimir Putin on Friday, at the second and final day of the second Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg.
“We are developing partnerships in military and military-technical cooperation with more than 40 African states to strengthen the countries’ defense capabilities,” he said.
“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,” he added.
Representatives from African countries have been encouraged to actively engage in military forums organized by Krimlin, dealing with technical elements of weapons and maneuvers in order to become acquainted with the equipment and its use.
Putin also stated that Russia would assist the countries in their efforts to emancipate themselves from the “vestiges of colonialism.”
He also reaffirmed that Russia would continue to remain a reliable grain supplier to African countries.