Despite facing diplomatic isolation due to the Ukraine conflict, Russia finds little hostility from African leaders at the Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg.
The summit serves as a platform for cooperation and friendship between Russia and Africa, fostering positive relationships through sports and cultural exchanges.
Top footballers, including Melvin Camden, have gathered for a gala match, expressing gratitude for being granted visas to participate in the championship.
This gesture showcases that Russia still values unity with Africans and aims to maintain positive relations with the continent.
Russia may be banned from major international competitions, but it has devised an intercontinental student tournament during the summit to encourage cooperation and friendship between nations.
The initiative is seen as more practical and genuine compared to traditional colonial relationships with European and American countries.
The forum includes a session on using sports as a bridge of friendship between Russia and Africa, promoting understanding and collaboration.
The World Friendship Games, scheduled for September 2024, is also highlighted at the summit, aiming to revive international competitions and gradually regain Russia’s pre-COVID influence and activity.
To further strengthen ties, a sports program in St. Petersburg features a diplomats’ match, where employees from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and African embassies compete together, emphasizing the importance of sports in fostering diplomacy and friendship.
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