One of the most powerful leaders in the world, Russian President Vladimir Putin recently stated that there is a strong presence of Russian entrepreneurs in Africa, especially in Angola, ‘where technicians have helped develop diamond production, at an estimated 60 percent, for export in East Africa.’
He was speaking at the 10th BRICS summit’s last plenary meeting on African countries in Johannesburg, South Africa.
President Vladimir Putin said that his country is now in a position to offer African countries, within the propulsion sector application of nuclear power plants. Putin, who highlighted the gains from cooperation with Angola, told African leaders that Africa is one of the most vibrant regions in the world today, and by 2050, according to UN estimates, a population of 2.5 billion people.
Russia, he said, has always placed high priority on developing relations with African countries, with which it has developed mutual assistance projects. He said that such projects will be strategically important for Africa, with large energy deficits that can be filled with nuclear energy.
He reported that his country is assisting in the development of specific sectors, such as energy, to countries other than Angola, such as Gabon and Mozambique, which have been implementing several projects in the field of oil and gas.
It reaffirmed Russia’s interest in continuing to produce spare parts for the nuclear and other industries to contribute to the industrial capacity of Africans, support local businesses and increase employment.
Brazil’s President Michel Temer has announced that Brazil will soon inaugurate a new training center for the Embraer aeronautical company in Johannesburg.
According to the official, this center will be endowed with state-of-the-art equipment, and the center will train thousands of African professionals each year.
Temer said it will be an important Embraer investment to facilitate the training of professionals in cutting-edge areas.
“More investments and more trade means more opportunities and more welfare for our people. We want to further deepen our economic relations with Africa, “he said, noting that in recent years investment agreements have been signed with Mozambique, Angola, Malawi and Ethiopia.
He recalled that the Free Trade Agreement between Mercosur and Egypt entered into force last September and stressed that the potential to be exploited is still enormous.
“We have ongoing Mercosur negotiations with Tunisia and Morocco. We are ready, too, to expand our agreements with the Southern African Customs Union, “he said, adding that” BRICS can and should be allies in Africa’s development. ”
“We opened, here in Johannesburg, the Africa Office of the New Development Bank. We already see results, with the approval of 200 million dollars (172 million euros) to improve the port infrastructure of Durban, “he said.
Temer also recalled that the foundations were laid for the creation of a vaccine research center in South Africa to help reduce reliance on traditional vaccine manufacturers.
China’s President Xi Jinping said that China is sending another billion dollars to help African countries improve their food security.
The BRICS Summit ended on Friday in Johannesburg after three days of debate on hot topics such as industrialization and new technologies as well as security and trade relations between the BRICS countries and the World.
