Africa-Press – Ethiopia. March 24/2021(ENA)Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has urged Africa and Russia to further solidify their time-tested solidarity in a bid to stand firm against interference today.
In his remarks to the three-day International Inter-party Conference organized by the Initiative of the United Russia Party under the theme: “Russia-Africa: Reviving Traditions” today, Abiy said the event highlights the role of political parties, both ruling and rival parties, for domestic political stability and international cooperation.
He noted that the Russian Federation and African countries have a rich tradition of push back counterproductive interference.
“We must revisit our traditions and solidify our friendship and renew our time-tested solidarity in order to respond to basic demands of our people to defeat the enemies within by standing against interference,” the premier stressed.
The Russia Federation was a key ally in continental independent movements and against oppression, colonialism and slavery, both domestic and foreign, that have produced leaders and intellectuals, he stated.
Furthermore, PM Abiy said the Russian Federation was home of many philosophers who inspired African leaders and ordinary people that dreamt of an economical and politically liberated Africa.
“I regret to acknowledge that we have not yet won the battle against enemies within, like chronic poverty, inequality, unemployment, and identity-based politics imbalance. It is because of such enemies within that we stand vulnerable to external interference,” he added.
The PM finally noted, “I am confident this event and the Africa-Russia Summit 2022 will prove to be an historic platform where we can build a lasting cooperation.”
United Russia Party General Council Deputy Secretary and Senator of the Russian Federation, Andrey Klimov said the conference is crucial to exchange ideas between parties, strengthen relationships and mutual understanding in multifaceted spheres.
The conference focuses on peace and security, counter-interference, inter-party aspects, party support for economic cooperation, inter-party aspects of humanitarian cooperation, including the struggle against COVID-19 and other related issues.
The conference will also become one of the stages of preparation for the next Africa-Russia Summit in 2022, it was learned.
