MOSCOW – Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday described Russia and Africa as "natural allies" in building a multipolar world order, saying the ruble already accounted for up to 85 percent of trade settlements between Russia and African countries.

"Russia and Africa are united by truly strong bonds of friendship and close partnership," Putin said, speaking at the plenary session of the third Russia-Africa Summit at the Kremlin. "We are natural allies in building a multipolar, genuinely democratic world order, a world order free from dictate and double standards, based on respect for the norms of international law and the basic principles of the UN Charter," he said.

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Putin reaffirmed Russia's support for strengthening Africa's role in key multilateral institutions, including the UN Security Council and international financial institutions.

"We supported the resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly last December establishing the International Day Against Colonialism, December 14. And of course, we welcome the UN decision in March this year to recognize the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity," he said.

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Putin added that Russia had opened eight new embassies in Africa since the previous summit in 2023, bringing the total to 48. Russia is also developing a network of trade missions, which currently covers 16 African countries, he said.

"All this allows us to protect our economic exchanges from external influence and makes them more resilient to fluctuations in the global economic and political environment," he said.

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Putin added that closer alignment between the Eurasian Economic Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area could create additional opportunities to expand trade and capital flows.

The participants are expected to adopt a final declaration, an action plan for the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum for 2027-2029, and a declaration on cooperation for the peaceful use of artificial intelligence.