Terekhin specified that the summit scheduled in St. Petersburg from July 26th to 29th will address economic issues, education, humanitarian cooperation and other areas.

“I am sure that this will give us a good opportunity to lay the foundation for further development of this cooperation,” he said.

The official explained that the summit between Russia and Africa “is focused on the daily problems of the cities of our countries” and seeking better ways to find solutions.

He also reported that several Russian cities, including Moscow, are making great progress in becoming comfortable for their residents, and that they can share their experience with African cities. In his opinion, sustainable urban development should not be measured with numbers, but with real and visible growth.

He highlighted the significant changes experienced in Addis Ababa in the past four years and reiterated that Russia will support development and reform activities in the capital and other urban areas of the country.

The forum was organized by the Moscow embassy and the United Nations Association of Russia in cooperation with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, and is hosted at the Commission’s premises. The final report of the forum will be a contribution to the next St. Petersburg summit.

Discussions and presentations addressing the development of urban communities and cooperation between Russian and African regions and cities are part of the working agenda.

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