Peter Mutharika set for Russia-Africa summit

President Peter Mutharika is among other African presidents that will attend the first Russia-Africa summit scheduled to be held in Russia’s Black Sea resort city of Sochi from October 23, 2019.

Chief Secretary to Government Llyod Muhara said in a statement released yesterday that Mutharika will leave tomorrow for the summit.

Statehouse spokesperson Mgeme Kalilani said Malawi stands to benefit from the summit on areas of trade, investment, education and foreign Affairs among many others areas.

“Many African countries will be attending the summit to advance their areas of interests with the Russian Federation, similarly, President Mutharika will be leading a Malawi delegation at the summit for the same purpose,” he said

Political and Social commentator Rafik Hajat justified Malawi’s presence at the summit, stressing the need to associate with countries that have geopolitical powers.

“China, Russia and United State of America hold geopolitical power and for a country that wants to survive it has to swing very carefully in between these three powers. Therefore, it is essential for us to be present at such summit not just because we want something from them but because we also live in a global community,” he said

Hajat said the country should harness the relationship to boost agriculture and infrastructure development in the country.

The forum will be co-chaired by Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt, who is holding presidency in the African Union in 2019. Heads of more than 50 African states have been invited to the forum.

According to the www. summitafrica.ru/en/about-summit/ the Summit will focus on potential relations between Russia and the nations of Africa, with particular focus on political, economic, humanitarian, and cultural fields among others.

The meeting will emphasise on finding ways to accelerate and develop the entire range of Russian- African cooperation in a systematic way.