Russia-Africa Summit: Anton Kobyakov Calls for a Partnership Based on Sovereignty

At the third Russia-Africa Summit, Anton Kobyakov, an adviser to Vladimir Putin since 2014, called for a renewed relationship with Africa based on mutual cooperation and sovereignty. Discussions covered sustainable development, the economy, the world order, humanitarian, social and technological cooperation, and innovation to improve living standards and human capital. A media forum addressed countering disinformation and Russia-Africa relations, while a youth forum was also on the program. Kobyakov said Russia no longer sees Africa as a distant region and recalled Soviet support for African peoples’ pursuit of autonomy in 1960.