Moscow 29 April 2013 – Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma called for a greater interaction between Africa and the Russian Federation with a view to strengthening the existing cooperation ties to the benefit of both African and Russian populations. The Chairperson of the AUC made this statement on Monday 29 April 2013, during an official working visit with Mr. Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

The two personalities discussed among other issues about cooperation in areas of peacekeeping and post conflict reconstruction in Africa. In addition, the possibility for Russia’s support in human capital development through training and capacity building of African students and professionals was examined. It should be recalled that in the past, Russia has assisted the continent in training many Africans and still continues to offer scholarships to Africans for studies. The Russian expertise in telecommunications, energy supply, water management, science, technology and innovation has also been considered in light with the need to support the continent’s programmes for development of infrastructures, industrialization and agriculture.

In this respect, Dr. Dlamini Zuma invited Russian investors to come to Africa and invest their expertise and resources in all those areas. She indicated that “this will result in significant economic opportunities for both Africa and Russia”. Whilst recognizing Russia’s increasing bilateral partnership with African states, she insisted on the need for stronger multilateral cooperation with the African Union in support of Africa’s continental Agenda.

There where exchange of views on issues of common interest in relation to global governance where strategic partnership should be established with continuous dialogue and consultations. The visit of the AUC Chairperson to Moscow was also an opportunity to follow-up on the outcomes of the BRICS Summit recently held in Durban, South Africa.

Dr. Dlamini Zuma seized the occasion of her visit, to announce at a press conference that crowned the meeting with the Russian Foreign Minister, the yearlong-celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) now the African Union (AU) that will commence on 25 May 2013 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia under the theme “Pan Africanism and the African Renaissance”. Speaking on the foundation of the continental organization she expressed appreciation to the Russians for their invaluable support during the struggle for decolonization and dismantlement of apartheid on the continent. She underlined the fact that the 50th Anniversary will offer Africa a golden opportunity not only to take stock of its past but also to chart the course for the future through a development agenda that will make it a prosperous continent at peace with itself and playing a substantive role in the global arena.

For more information, consult the AU website: www.au.int

Interview requests should be directed to Mrs. Esther Azaa Tankou, Directorate of Information and Communication, African Union Commission. E-mail: yamboue@africa-union.org / esthertankou@yahoo.com