MOSCOW, October 28. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin began a series of events within the framework of the Russia-Africa Summit by participating in the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum. He arrived at the forum venue in Moscow’s Gostiny Dvor exhibition complex and rose to the stage at the plenary session hall, taking his seat at the presidium.

African Union’s current Chairman and Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye also rose to the stage with him.

Earlier, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov reported that 48 out of 54 African countries will participate in the summit, 22 of which will be represented by heads of government.