Russia signs military deals with 40 African states

Russia has signed military cooperation treaties with over 40 African countries, President Vladimir Putin announced on Friday in St Petersburg.

He made the announcement on the second and final day of the second Russia-Africa Summit, saying, “we are developing partnerships in military and military-technical cooperation with more than 40 African states to strengthen the countries’ defence capabilities.”

“African states received a wide range of weapons and technology, some for free. Some of these deliveries are provided on a gratuitous basis with the aim of enhancing the security and sovereignty of the countries.”

Representatives from African countries have been invited to actively participate in Russia-organized military forums dealing with technical aspects of the weapons as well as manoeuvres to familiarise themselves with the equipment and its use.

Putin also stated that Russia would assist countries in their efforts to rid themselves of “vestiges of colonialism.”

The Kremlin leader reiterated Russia’s commitment to remaining a reliable grain supplier to the continent’s countries.

dpa/NAN