Putin woos African countries by forgiving $23 billion debt

<h2>Vladimir Putin, Russian President, says the Russian Government has written off $23 billion debt burden of African countries.</h2>, <p>Russia will also assist in opening new African embassies and consulates in Russia.</p>, <span>Russian president, Vladimir Putin, made the announcement at the Russia-Africa Summit where he also met Nigeria's vice-president, Kashim Shettima Punch</span>, <p>Putin spoke at the plenary session of the second Russia–Africa Summit 2023 holding from July 27 to July 28.</p>, <p>He said Moscow would allocate an additional $90 million for these purposes.</p>, <p>Putin said Russia was advocating expansion of representation of African countries in the UN Security Council and other UN structures.</p>, <p>"Russia and Africa strive to develop cooperation in all areas and strengthen 'honest, open, constructive' partnership.</p>, <p>"Russia will also assist in opening new African embassies and consulates in Russia," he said.</p>, <p>According to him, the reopening of embassies in Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea is going as planned.</p>, <p>He said sovereignty was not a one-time achieved state and it must be constantly protected.</p>, <p>Putin also offered assistance to Africa in countering threats such as terrorism, piracy, and transnational crimes adding that it would continue to train personnel from African countries.</p>, <p>He assured that Russian businesses have a lot to offer partners from Africa.</p>, <p>Putin said transition to national currencies and the establishment of transport and logistics chains would contribute to the increase in mutual trade turnover.</p>, <p>"Russia is ready to provide trade preferences to Africa, support the creation of modern production sectors, agricultural sector, and provide assistance through relevant international structures and agencies.</p>, <p>"Russia will always be a responsible international supplier of agricultural products," he said.</p>