By John Okeke
President of Russia, Vladimir Putin has congratulated African countries on the occasion of African Day celebration which is marked on 25th May every year.
Putin in his congratulatory message made available to The Authority by the Russian Embassy in Abuja said the celebration symbolizes the aspiration of the countries of your continent to freedom, peace and prosperity.
Putin said ,” Please accept my sincere congratulations on Africa Day, which symbolizes the aspiration of the countries of your continent to freedom, peace and prosperity. This holiday assumes special significance in the run-up to the 60th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Granting of independence to Colonial Countries and people celebrated this year.”
According to the Russian Preaident ,he said,” decades ago, when many African Peoples were just embarking on the path of sovereign development, our country provided them with active political support, extensive assistance in the social and economic sphere, and training of civilian and military personnel.”
“Today, African Countries are Russia’s significant and promising partners, who enjoy well-deserved authority on the global arena and play an active role in addressing topical international issues,” Putin said.
He said the Russia – Africa Summit held last year in Sochi turned out to be an exclusively important milestone in the development of Russian-African relations, adding ” the dialogue between our Countries has been brought to a qualitatively new level.”
On Covid-19 which is ravaging the world , Putin said,” the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum established during the Summit will undoubtedly contribute to building up mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields and coordinating efforts to counter the threats and challenges of our time – including the COVID-19 pandemic, which has become a serious test for our Countries and Peoples.”
“I whole-heartedly wish you good health, prosperity and every success in your state activities, and peace and prosperity – to all your compatriots,” he added.
