The Russian Valdai Discussion Club held its second Russian-African conference in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on July 24, under the theme “Russia-Africa: Strategy for Cooperation in a Multipolar World,” bringing together Russian and African diplomats, academics, officials, and experts.
Underscoring the hope that the conference would discuss bring African-Russian relations to a new level, Fyodor Lukyanov, director for scientific work of the Valdai International Discussion Club, told a session of the conference: “Russian-African ties are very close, valuable and long-standing. The developments we seek in the future will be based on these principles,” However, Lukyanov emphasized that “a new era is a completely different world,” and building relationships in it is important not only by relying on history but also by “creating something entirely new.” Lukyanov emphasized that Russia can offer modern technologies and training, which are crucial for its African partners. “There is a craving for each other from the point of view of participation in mutual development.”
In an interview with Sputnik on the sidelines of the conference, Russian Ambassador to Tanzania Andrey Avetisyan revealed that discussions between Russia and Tanzania to conduct trade in national currencies have been taking place. He said: “The prospects of transition to trade in national currencies are being discussed between our banks.... If Tanzanians see that Russia’s trade with China and India is almost entirely in national currencies, and India and China are Tanzania’s largest trading partners, then there are opportunities here. Indian rupees, Chinese yuan and Russian rubles, I think, can be used by Tanzanians for offset schemes.”
