The First Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum commenced on November 8, 2024, at Sirius Federal Territory in the Russian Federation. The event began with bilateral meetings hosted by Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Bogdanov Mikhail Leonidovich. Among the attendees was H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, along with his delegation.
During these meetings, Deputy Minister Bogdanov outlined the objectives of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum and emphasized the significance of regional organizations like ECOWAS in fostering socio-economic development and ensuring peace and security among their members. He reiterated Russia's commitment to supporting Africa in achieving these goals.
H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray expressed gratitude for the warm reception received by his delegation and updated the Deputy Minister on ECOWAS's progress in regional integration, peace, and security.
On the second day of the conference, a panel session titled "Russia-Africa: Working Together Against Terror" featured H.E. Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner of Political Affairs, Peace and Security. He discussed historical ties between Russia and African states in combating terrorism and highlighted current threats from terrorist groups expanding towards coastal states from the Sahel region. The Commissioner noted that ECOWAS is considering activating a counterterrorism force to address these threats.
Dr. Touray also participated in another panel focusing on cooperation between Eurasia Economic Union and Africa. He highlighted achievements in integration within ECOWAS, emphasizing challenges such as investment needs, infrastructure gaps, energy issues, health concerns, and climate action as critical areas for collaboration with Eurasia Group to enhance economic progress.
Throughout the forum's duration in Sochi, Dr. Touray and his delegation engaged in various bilateral meetings and sessions to further strengthen partnerships between Africa and Russia.
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