Russian Embassy in South Africa 🇷🇺

On the sidelines of the 3rd Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow, the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf @ymahmoudali & H.E. Sergey Lavrov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the #Russian Federation signed the AU Commission–Russian Federation Action Plan 2027–2029, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening dialogue and advancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Building on the Memorandum of Understanding on the Basic Principles of Relations & Cooperation, the Action Plan provides a framework for deepening AU–Russia engagement across 19 areas of cooperation over the 2027–2029 period. The framework underscores the importance of sustained political dialogue, institutional engagement & coordination on regional & international issues, including cooperation within the United Nations. Peace & security remain important pillars of the partnership, with proposed activities focusing on counterterrorism, combating transnational organised crime, exchanging expertise & strengthening institutional capacities, in support of the AU’s Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2030 initiative. The Action Plan further identifies science, technology & innovation as important areas for collaboration, particularly artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cybersecurity & space technology. Proposed initiatives include joint research & the development of AI-enabled early-warning systems for conflict risks, public health emergencies & natural disasters. Cooperation will also encompass energy, transport infrastructure, agriculture, water resources management, climate change adaptation, healthcare, humanitarian affairs, education, trade, investment & financial cooperation. Particular attention is given to capacity-building, knowledge-sharing, academic partnerships & the development of technical expertise in AU Member States. The framework also promotes exchanges in culture, sports & youth engagement, alongside cooperation in child protection & the preservation of cultural heritage. Through this Action Plan, the AU Commission & the Russian Federation seek to further strengthen their partnership through dialogue, practical cooperation & the exchange of experience, in support of the AU’s integration & development objectives under Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. The Action Plan constitutes a framework for cooperation & does not create rights or obligations under international law. Read @ au.int/en/pressreleases/2026…