This archive report was first published on 20 October 2019.
Published on October 20, 2019, Russia's ambassador to Kenya, Dmitri Maksimychev, spoke on the Russia-Africa Summit and Russia's relations with Kenya, ahead of the summit in Sochi on October 23-24, 2019.
According to Ambassador Maksimychev, the Russia-Africa Summit will symbolize a new stage in the development of Russia's traditionally friendly relations with Africa.
He noted that Russia and African countries are going through a period of rapid growth and technological advances, and that Africa's political role on world affairs is rising.
On Russia's relations with post-independence African countries, Ambassador Maksimychev acknowledged that Russia invested substantial efforts and resources in helping Africa liberate itself and strengthen its economic and political foundations.
He highlighted that the assistance provided was not limited to training and education, citing the Soviet Union's role in building Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Regarding scholarships, Ambassador Maksimychev emphasized that it is one of the most strategic areas of development co-operation, especially in today's rapidly changing technological landscape.
He noted that Russia has provided scholarships and other opportunities for young talented Kenyans to receive quality training and education in the best Russian universities, with 70 Kenyans having gone to Russia to study this year.
On trade, Ambassador Maksimychev disputed the notion that Russia-Kenya trade is relatively low, citing annual trade volumes of around $300 to $400 million.
He highlighted that the upcoming Economic Forum in Sochi aims to find new ways of increasing co-operation, including trade, and that an intergovernmental agreement on the establishment of an Intergovernmental Commission for Economic and Technological Cooperation is being finalized.
Regarding the impact of Western sanctions on Russia, Ambassador Maksimychev emphasized that Russia's co-operation with Africa is comprehensive and mutually beneficial, and that the sanctions have nothing to do with Russia's long-standing strategic friendship with Africa.
