The Convener of the Second Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Summit said the it will bolster ties between Russia and Africa in security, sustainable economic and humanitarian development.

Anton Kobyakov, an Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation and Executive Secretary of the Organising Committee for the Russia–Africa events, made this known on Wednesday.

Kobyakov, in its programme schedules said the summit would create the basis for the establishment of powerful, prosperous and safe regions in new realities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forum will take place in St. Petersburg, Russia at the Expo Forum Convention and Exhibition Centre from July 27 to July 28, 2023.

He said that the summit would strengthen Russian-African cooperation and outline the trajectory of Russia’s relations with African countries in the long-term.

“The summit programme includes more than 30 panel sessions and thematic events on the most important issues involving cooperation between Russia and African states.

“African countries will obviously play an increasingly important role in the emerging architecture of a multipolar world.

“The summit’s business programme consists of four major thematic pillars that encompass all areas of cooperation between Russia and Africa.

“They are; `The New Global Economy’; ‘Integrated Security and Sovereign Development’; ‘Cooperation in Science and Technology’ and ‘The Humanitarian and Social Sphere: Working Together for a New Quality of Life’,’’ he said.

According to him, the programme of the pillar ‘The New Global Economy,’ will focus on the kind of prospects Russian businessmen have for doing business in Africa.

He said the experts would discuss topics on expanding business cooperation between Russia and African countries, their export potential amidst the new challenges, as well as cooperation in agriculture, energy, and logistics.

Kobyakov said the main theme of the ‘Integrated Security and Sovereign Development’ pillar would dwell on international security, political stability, food security and joint efforts to combat epidemics and emergencies.

“The key question that experts plan to answer as part of this pillar is: “How can Russia’s experience in ensuring security be beneficial to African countries?”

“During the panel discussions of the ‘Cooperation in Science and Technology’ pillar, experts will discuss collaboration between Russia and Africa in advanced technologies.

“The key themes of the pillar are how industrial cooperation leads to technological sovereignty and advanced technologies for Africa’s sustainable development.

“Separate sessions will be devoted to nuclear, digital, and healthcare technologies. During the discussions, speakers will talk about how high-tech solutions could unleash Africa’s potential and have a positive socioeconomic impact on numerous areas of society,” he said.

Kobyakov explained that these topics would be addressed as part of the pillar ‘The Humanitarian and Social Sphere: Working Together for a New Quality of Life’.

He said events on the sidelines of the Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum would include the Media Forum, the Congress of University Rectors and a roundtable. (NAN)