Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for a strengthening of relations between Russia and Africa after two Russian nuclear-capable bombers successfully landed in South Africa on Wednesday.
The Tupolev Tu-160 strategic bombers touched down at Waterkloof air force base in Pretoria for the first time ever, with Russia confident of bolstering their influence throughout the African continent.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 2019 Russia-Africa Summit in Sochi on Wednesday, Putin told the dignitaries and African heads of state that Russia was keen to invest in Africa, and expected trade to double between Russia and Africa over the next five years.
“We are determined to increase our presence in Africa,” said Putin.
“Many Russian companies have long and successfully worked with partners from the most different sectors of the African economy and plan to expand their influence in Africa. We, of course, will provide support at the state level.”
The two-day summit kicked off on 23 October with more than 50 African leaders making their way to the Black Sea resort of Sochi for discussions around policy and investment strategies to increase trade in Africa.
