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Putin hopes to boost relations with African states

It is reported that the joint GDP of ECOWAS states stands at $550 billion

MOSCOW, October 25. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his hope for the further development of Russian-African relations during his talks with Umaro Sissoco Embalo, President of Guinea-Bissau and chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Putin noted that 400 million people live in ECOWAS states, and their joint GDP stands at $550 billion, adding that their trade volume with Russia is "rather hefty."

"And, most importantly, the trade volume growth rate is very good. We hope that a significant contribution will be made to the development of relations both with your country and members of the organization, and the entire African continent in general during your presidency in ECOWAS," Russian President underscored.

He noted that, back in 2019, the first Russia-Africa summit took place in Sochi, calling it very successful.

"We plan to hold a similar summit in our northern capital, in St. Petersburg, in July of next year," Putin added.

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