Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov Addresses Africa Day Reception in Moscow

Moscow. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addressed the Africa Day reception held in Moscow on May 25, 2026, praising the multifaceted potential of the African continent, mutual solidarity, and its growing role in the emerging multipolar world order.

“The African continent impresses with its multifaceted potential across all spheres and simultaneously – with the distinctiveness of each country and its cultural and historical code,” Lavrov stated. He noted that at the present juncture of global development, when a multipolar world is taking shape, it is especially valuable that African friends have consistently striven and continue to strive to pool their efforts to address shared challenges.

The Organisation of African Unity, the precursor to the African Union, was founded on May 25, 1963. Lavrov remarked, “Ever since, the principles of Pan-Africanism have not only retained their appeal for Africans themselves, but have also continued to serve as an exemplary model for unitive integration processes in other parts of the world – primarily in Asia and Latin America.”

He stated that today, building upon the African Union and regional economic communities, the continent is steadily advancing along the path of forging a consolidated political, economic, and civilisational space. Economic and demographic growth, combined with the aspiration to contribute to the resolution of pressing contemporary issues, predetermine Africa’s place as one of the pillars of the emerging polycentric world order.

“In this context, Russia sees its role as helping its African friends assert themselves in a new capacity. Geography is no obstacle to friendship. The strong bonds of mutual understanding and trust uniting our peoples stand as a testament to this,” Lavrov said.

He quoted the first President of Mozambique, Samora Machel: “Solidarity is not an act of charity: It is an act of unity between allies fighting on different terrains toward the same objective.”

Lavrov expressed appreciation that African friends do not forget Russia’s contribution to their struggle for freedom, the formation and strengthening of their statehood, the development of national industry and science, and the ensuring of defence capability. “Today, Russia fully supports the second awakening of Africa, and the realisation by Africans of the urgent need to achieve immediate liberation from the shackles of neo-colonialism in its modern forms,” he stated.

The Third Russia-Africa Summit is set to take place in Moscow this October. “We look forward to welcoming the Leaders of all African states, regional associations across the continent, and the Leadership of the African Union. Intensive work is already underway on the summit’s agenda and practical outcomes. We hope that the meeting of leaders will approve a new three-year action plan, which will serve as a strategic roadmap for government institutions, businesses, and public organisations in Russia and across Africa,” Lavrov said.

In conclusion, Lavrov congratulated everyone present on Africa Day and wished all the peoples of the African continent prosperity, simple human happiness, and freedom in all its dimensions.