Russia–Africa ministerial conference in Egypt reaffirms equitable partnerships, multilateral reform

Ahram Online , Saturday 20 Dec 2025

Russia and African countries reaffirmed their commitment to equitable partnerships, respect for sovereignty and reforming global governance structures at the conclusion of the second ministerial conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum, according to a joint statement issued after the meeting in Cairo on Saturday.

Egypt

 

This marked the first Russia–Africa ministerial conference held on the African continent, preparing the ground for the third Russia–Africa Summit in 2026.

The statement stressed the participants’ shared support for “a just and multipolar world order based on the principles of international law,” underscoring respect for state sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs as the foundation of international relations.

It also reaffirmed the parties’ commitment to UN General Assembly resolutions on decolonization and the eradication of neo-colonial practices, emphasizing Africa’s historical and contemporary rights.

Ministers warned against practices that undermine multilateralism, expressing “serious concern over attempts to weaken the central role of the United Nations,” and reaffirmed the UN Charter as “the cornerstone of the contemporary international system.”

They highlighted the importance of reforming the UN Security Council to better reflect current geopolitical realities and support African representation in decision-making.

The participants called for comprehensive reform of international governance institutions to reflect current global realities, stressing Africa’s right to a stronger role in decision-making. The statement reaffirmed Africa’s unified position on UN Security Council reform and called for “fairer representation of developing countries, particularly African states, in global governance institutions.”

The ministers also expressed support for multilateral approaches to conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction, advocating cooperation between African integration organizations and international partners.

Peace, security, and African-led solutions

 

On peace and security, the statement highlighted the “indivisible link between peace, security and development,” rejecting selective application of international law and the use of coercive tools in international relations.

It stressed Africa-Russia collaboration in counter-terrorism, organized crime prevention, cyber security, nuclear non-proliferation, and space security, including support for the peaceful use of outer space.

The ministers “strongly condemned the imposition of unilateral sanctions,” describing them as incompatible with international law and harmful to economic growth, development and humanitarian conditions, particularly in developing countries.

They welcomed international initiatives recognizing 4 December as the International Day against Unilateral Coercive Measures.

The statement reaffirmed support for African-led solutions to African challenges, emphasising the importance of the African Union’s peace and security architecture and calling for “sustainable and predictable financing for African peace support operations.”

It noted progress in operationalizing the African Union Centre for Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development, hosted in Cairo.

Participants also underlined the need to enhance post-conflict reconstruction and development efforts, stressing that peacebuilding must be accompanied by economic recovery, institution-building and social development.

They highlighted Egypt’s role in facilitating ceasefire agreements, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction efforts in Gaza, and supporting a two-state solution based on international law.

Economic cooperation and global challenges

 

On economic cooperation, the statement highlighted the importance of strengthening trade, investment and industrial cooperation, particularly in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, transport and digital transformation. The ministers agreed that cooperation frameworks should be “based on equality, mutual benefit and respect for national development priorities,” in line with Africa’s Agenda 2063.

They also committed to supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), expanding technology transfer, and facilitating capacity-building programs across key sectors.

The statement also called for expanded technology transfer, capacity-building and skills development, particularly in emerging sectors, including digital technologies and innovation.

Russia and African countries emphasized triangular cooperation with international partners to accelerate sustainable development, promote inclusive growth, and strengthen resilience against global shocks.

On global economic challenges, participants stressed the need to reform the international financial system, calling for improved access to concessional financing, fairer debt treatment and stronger support for development financing mechanisms that respond to African needs.

They reaffirmed support for the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index and promoted greater African influence in multilateral financial institutions.

The ministers further reaffirmed their commitment to addressing global challenges, including climate change, food security and public health, through coordinated international action that takes into account the circumstances and priorities of developing countries.

They endorsed cooperative approaches for energy transition, biodiversity preservation, circular economy initiatives, disaster prevention, pandemic preparedness, and strengthening African health sovereignty.

Concluding the statement, the participants reaffirmed their determination to deepen Russia–Africa cooperation across political, economic and security fields, stressing that the partnership “remains open, inclusive and oriented towards long-term development, stability and mutual benefit.”

They expressed gratitude to Egypt for hosting the conference and reaffirmed their readiness to advance preparations for the third Russia–Africa Summit in 2026, ensuring it is a platform for tangible outcomes across the continent.

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