Kobyakov said during a press conference on the sidelines of the first ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum: “We attach great importance to deepening cooperation with African countries in the field of trade and investment, especially by involving Russian economic actors in the implementation of infrastructure projects… and these could become agreements.” Free trade with African countries is an important element in our economic partnership, and discussions have already begun regarding concluding such agreements with Egypt, Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia.”
He added that discussions are currently underway to unify trade and investment legislation with South Africa, Zimbabwe, Angola, Zambia, Mozambique and Nigeria.
He pointed out “the importance of enhancing mutual interest in expanding economic relations through the Eurasian Union with African integration societies,” stressing that Russia, as it was in the Soviet era, is ready to develop cooperation in a wide range of necessary fields on the African continent, and to solve problems on the African continent, Which all African countries must solve in order to achieve confident and stable growth.”
He pointed out that these areas include “security, especially food security, ensuring peace and sovereignty, access to education, building human relations, forming and participating in parallel unions, preserving the unique nature of the African continent, health care, energy security, and the economic sector.”
He stressed that “providing security for the countries of the African continent is a practical and vital necessity for Russia,” noting that “Russia has, so far, signed military technical cooperation agreements with 33 countries on the African continent.”
He pointed out that “the West is not interested in resolving conflicts in Africa,” stressing that “everyone realizes that it is in the interest of Britain, France, the United States, and some other countries to create tensions on the continent.”
In another context, Kobyakov stated, “Russia plans to create an independent financial infrastructure for payment by increasing the share of settlements between Russia and Africa in the currencies of friendly countries to 90 percent by 2030.”
The Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum will be held in Sochi on November 9 and 10, to follow up on the decisions of the Second Russian-African Summit. It brings together foreign ministers from the Russian Federation and the countries of the continent, the African Union Commission, in addition to the executive bodies of the regional integration unions.
Source: RT
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**Interview with Dmitry Kobyakov, Russian Minister of Trade and Economic Development**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Mr. Kobyakov. Your statements at the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum have generated a lot of interest. Can you elaborate on the significance of deepening trade and investment cooperation with African countries?
**Kobyakov:** Certainly. We see Africa as a vital partner and believe that strengthening our economic ties can yield significant benefits for both sides. Our focus is on encouraging Russian economic actors to participate in infrastructure projects across the continent. These initiatives could pave the way for formal agreements that enhance trade relations.
**Editor:** You mentioned free trade agreements with specific countries like Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. What advantages do you foresee from these agreements?
**Kobyakov:** Free trade agreements are crucial because they eliminate tariffs and other trade barriers, facilitating smoother exchanges of goods and services. For Russia, this means greater market access and the opportunity to introduce our products to new consumers. For African nations, it can lead to increased investment and technology transfer, ultimately driving economic growth.
**Editor:** In your remarks, you referenced ongoing discussions to unify trade and investment legislation with several African nations. Can you explain what this entails?
**Kobyakov:** Absolutely. Unifying trade and investment legislation involves aligning regulations and standards to create a more cohesive business environment. Countries like South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria have diverse legal frameworks that can complicate trade. By working together to harmonize these laws, we can simplify processes for businesses and encourage cross-border investment.
**Editor:** You highlighted the importance of economic relations through the Eurasian Union and African integration societies. How do you envision this partnership evolving in the future?
**Kobyakov:** Our vision is to foster a synergistic relationship where the Eurasian Union and African economic communities support each other in trade initiatives. This could lead to mutually beneficial projects, enhancing infrastructure and development in both regions. Our historical ties and shared interests create a strong foundation to build upon.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mr. Kobyakov, for sharing your insights. It will be interesting to see how these discussions advance and translate into tangible outcomes for both Russia and Africa.
**Kobyakov:** Thank you for having me. We are optimistic about the future of our partnership!
