MOSCOW, November 11. /TASS/. Participants in the first ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum praised Moscow's role in fighting terrorism in Africa, according to a statement on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s website.

"We positively assess the measures taken by the Russian Federation to assist counter-terrorism efforts on the African continent, including those that are part of the program of UNOCT (UN Office on Counter-Terrorism - TASS) activities," the statement said.

According to the statement, the conference participants welcomed the progress made through cooperation between the relevant Russian and African government agencies that are mutually recognized in combating terrorism financing and money laundering and looked forward to continuing joint efforts to eradicate these scourges.

"We are determined to intensify cooperation in the fight against illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors, exchange of information and best practices in this area, as well as in the treatment and rehabilitation of persons suffering from substance use disorders, prevention of drug use and popularization of healthy lifestyles," the statement said.

The first ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum was held from November 9-10 in the Sirius Federal Territory. The event was attended by about 1,500 delegates, including 45 ministers from African countries.