MOSCOW, July 26. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a welcoming address to participants and guests of the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum and noted the role of Africa as one of poles of the evolving multipolar world.

"Today, Africa is asserting itself more and more confidently as one of the poles of the emerging multipolar world. Progress is gaining momentum across a wide range of areas, including manufacturing, agriculture, transport infrastructure, fuel and energy, healthcare and education," the Russian leader said in the address posted on the Kremlin’s website.

"Moscow supports the aspiration of African nations to secure socioeconomic stability and advancement," Putin noted. "It is important that over the past few years, cooperation between Russia and Africa has reached new heights. We intend to continue moving in this direction, working to boost trade and investment, deepen cooperation and work together to address such pressing issues as the fight against poverty, training modern workforce, ensuring food security and tackling climate change," the head of state said.

"We remain committed to assisting our African partners in every possible way to help them strengthen their national and cultural sovereignty, to play a more active role in resolving regional and global challenges," Putin stressed.