Inter-MFA consultations on the topic “On the Interaction of the CIS Member States with African Countries and Integration Associations” were held on 16 September at the headquarters of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
The consultations were attended by representatives of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and the CIS Executive Committee. Representatives of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan attended as observers.
The participants welcomed the aspiration of African countries to shape a more equitable multipolar world order and to develop relying on their own resources. They noted their intention to contribute to the further emergence of Africa as an influential centre of global development, to the achievement of the goals set within the framework of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and to African countries attaining full economic, financial, technological and energy sovereignty.
The parties agreed to promote cooperation between the CIS Executive Committee and the African Union Commission, the Secretariat of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other regional integration associations of the continent, including within the “CIS Plus” format, and to develop joint initiatives for building practical interaction.
The participants dwelt in detail on assessments of the security situation in Africa.
In addition, an exchange of views took place on the development of humanitarian cooperation with Africa, including the promotion of intercultural exchange and the protection of traditional spiritual and moral values, which confirmed the parties’ common approaches to this topic. The importance of stepping up cooperation in healthcare, science and education, culture and tourism was also emphasised.
The next consultations on interaction with African countries and integration associations are scheduled to be held in 2027.