MOSCOW, May 25. /TASS/. Russia sees it as its mission to help Africa consolidate its role as a pillar of a new polycentric world order, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a gala reception on Africa Day.
According to the top Russian diplomat, the continent’s economic and demographic trends, as well is its commitment to contribute to the resolution of the present-day pressing problems "determine Africa’s role as one of the pillars of the emerging polycentric world order."
"Bearing this in mind, Russia sees its role in helping its African friends find their place in this new reality. Geography is no barrier to friendship, and the strong bonds of mutual understanding and trust that unite our peoples are a vivid testament to this," he said.
He recalled the words by Mozambique’s first President Samora Machel that solidarity is not charity but mutual support between forces fighting for shared goals. "There is great wisdom in these words, I couldn't even venture to add anything," Lavrov noted.