Putin closes Russia-Africa summit, calls it a good tradition

Russian President Vladimir Putin closed the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow on Thursday, calling the regular meetings a good tradition. He stated the summit was successful and would boost relations with African nations. Putin announced plans for a future summit and highlighted current trade volume of $27 billion as just a beginning. He affirmed Russia's commitment to expanding grain supplies and extending its disease-fighting assistance program in Africa until 2029. The summit, held October 28-29, included an economic and humanitarian forum. Discussions covered transport infrastructure development, with African officials seeking Russian cooperation on ports and railways. African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf called for reforming the international financial system and boosting local manufacturing.