MOSCOW, October 29. /TASS/. Russia is proving in practice that it is a true friend of African countries and peoples, Musata Kaunda Ndlovu, daughter of a former Zambian president, said at the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum.

"Russia has never been a colonizer and has never been involved in the slave trade," she noted. "It is a genuine friend that respects our human dignity and treats us as equals."

The daughter of the former Zambian president recalled that Russia had provided invaluable support to her country in its struggle for independence and in training national specialists. "Today, we are talking about thousands of specialists who have received their education at Russian universities," she stated.

"The fact that representatives of 48 of the 54 African states are taking part in the current forum in Moscow shows that we, too, are ready to work with our true partner," Musata Kaunda Ndlovu emphasized. "Russians genuinely believe in us and trust us, and they are ready to support our development. And when Africa fully realizes its potential, we will see true peace among peoples.".