In a message addressed to African heads of state and government to mark Africa Day, Putin described the occasion as a symbol of “the triumph of the peoples of your continent over colonialism and their quest for freedom, peace, and prosperity.”
He said African nations have achieved “impressive progress in economic and social spheres” and are playing an increasingly important role in addressing global issues.
Putin also commended the work of the African Union and regional blocs, saying they are expanding cooperation and developing mechanisms to deal with conflicts and crises across the continent.
“The Russian Federation accords great importance to strengthening traditionally friendly ties with African states,” Putin said in the statement issued from the Moscow on May 24, 2026.
He added that Russia and African countries are united in the pursuit of “a just multipolar world order founded on genuine equality, supremacy of international law and freedom from all forms of discrimination and diktat.”
Putin expressed confidence that the Third Russia–Africa Summit, scheduled for October in Moscow, would open “new prospects for developing mutually beneficial cooperation” between Russia and African countries in several sectors.
The Russian leader said he looked forward to welcoming African leaders to Moscow and wished them “peace and prosperity” for their citizens.
Observed annually on May 25, Africa Day commemorates the creation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, which later became the African Union (AU) in 2002.
The day symbolizes African nations’ aspirations for unity, liberation and socio-economic development while celebrating the continent’s cultural heritage and diversity.
Africa is the world’s second-largest and second-most populous continent, made up of 54 countries and thousands of languages.
The annual celebration is widely seen as an opportunity to recognize Africa’s historical contributions, cultural richness and growing influence in global affairs.
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