All news

Russia's assistance to Africa exceeded $1 bln in 2017, Putin says

The Russian leader stressed that significant funds are transferred to the World Health Organization to fight non-contagious diseases in Africa

JOHANNESBURG, July 27. /TASS/. The volume of Russian assistance to Africa in 2017 exceeded $1 bln, President Vladimir Putin said at the Johannesburg-hosted meeting of BRICS leaders, which was held in an "outreach" format.

"The volume of Russian assistance to Africa exceeded $1 billion in 2017. Russian contributions to the World Food Program are growing steadily, Russia is the fifth largest payer to the UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization - TASS)," Putin said.

The Russian leader stressed that significant funds are transferred to the World Health Organization to fight non-contagious diseases in Africa.

"Our work to combat the Ebola virus was extremely effective," he noted.

For many years Russia has been training specialists for African countries, Putin said.

"Currently, thousands of Africans are studying in Russia, and we will continue to increase cooperation in this area," he stressed.