Governor Beglov's comments came as the city prepares to host the Second Russia–Africa Summit and Economic and Humanitarian Forum between 26 to 29 July.

The summit, hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin, will be attended by leaders and heads of African states.

Beglov stressed that it was possible to increase cooperation with African countries in education since young Africans come to St.Petersburg to study.

"In the academic year 2022-2023, 2,580 African students studied at our universities, representing 7.27 percent of the number of foreign students studying in the Russian Federation,” he said. 

Beglov also noted that St.Petersburg could collaborate with African countries on new joint projects in utilities, water supply, and sanitation.

During the conference, several agreements will be signed between St.Petersburg and several organizations from Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Namibia, Tunisia, and Angola.

These agreements aim to promote cooperation between the two sides in education and tourism. 

The governor of St. Petersburg further stated that the city is drafting agreements with some African cities within the framework of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

These cities include Cape Town, Durban, and Hermanus in South Africa and Bohicon in Benin.