Sochi to host first Russia-Africa summit on October 24

CAIRO, May 28 (MENA) - The Russian city of Sochi will host the first Russia-Africa Summit on October 24 in the presence of President Abdel Fatah El Sisi, the Foreign Ministry said in a press statement on Tuesday.

The summit will be co-chaired by President Sisi, the current chair of the African Union (AU), and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

All African heads of state and chairpersons of major regional organisations will take part in the summit, which will focus on means to foster political, economic and cultural cooperation between Russia and African countries.

The participants will also discuss efforts exerted to face emerging challenges and threats.

The summit is expected to adopt a political declaration about the main fields of cooperation between Russia and African countries.

Sisi and Putin will also inaugurate an economic forum in Russia on October 23, with the participation of African and Russian officials, and representatives of major businesses.

A number of important commercial, economic and investment deals will be signed at the end of the forum.