Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 6 February 2015: The African Union Commission Chairperson H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma received a special message from the President of the Russian Federation, H.E. Vladimir Putin, confirming Russia’s interest to further strengthening its ties with Africa. The letter was delivered by the Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for the Middle East and countries of Africa and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, H.E. Mikhail Bogdanov, during a meeting with the Chairperson on the margins of the 24th AU Summit of Heads of State and Government.

In his message, President Vladimir Putin commended the constructive role of African countries. “We support the efforts of the African Union in facilitating mutually beneficial integration processes, ensuring sustainable social and economic development of the continent and resolving local conflicts.” President Putin wrote, as he wished the Assembly fruitful deliberations.

President Putin wrote about the strong positive relationship between Africa and the Russian Federation, citing the meaningful political dialogue and active collaboration in international affairs. He also noted the measures taken by Russia to write off a significant part of the debt of African countries and the preferential treatment of most of the traditional African export goods in Russia that has opened up new opportunities for trade, economic and investment cooperation. “The number of scholarship offered by the Russian Government,” his letter stated, “is on the rise, and Russian experts are participating in the training of African peacekeepers.”

The AU Commission Chairperson expressed gratitude for the solidarity message from President Putin. She also indicated the readiness of the AU to further strengthen ties with the Russian Federation. In this light, she will be pursuing an earlier Decision to open an AU Representational Office in Moscow, as well as areas of cooperation.

Dr. Dlamini Zuma and Mr. Mikhail Bogdanov also discussed the situation in South Sudan, which remains a challenge for everyone, the BRICS meeting, as well as her planned visit to Moscow in April 2015.