The round table meeting on the topic “Russia-Africa cooperation on food security issues, introduction of closed
cycle technologies in agricultural and bioeconomic projects” was held at the State Duma. It was held as part of the activity of the Expert Council for Development
and Support for Comprehensive Partnership with African Countries headed by the Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Alexander Babakov
Alexander Mikhailovich
.
Opening the meeting, Alexander Babakov noted the importance of continued cooperation with the African states in the new convocation of the State Duma after the elections that will be held in September. “I am convinced that just from the first days of the new convocation the cooperation between Russia and African states will be one of the most relevant issues and will be used as an example for discussion in other areas,” he said.
The member of the Committee
on Development of Far East and Arctic, the deputy head of the Expert Council
Nikolay Novichkov
Nikolay Vladimirovich
noted the importance of the gradual transition to high-tech
products trade with African countries. “Our African counterparts are interested
in producing and food processing in their countries, and they want to benefit
from that,” said the parliamentarian.
The Director of the Department for Partnership with Africa of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Tatyana Dovgalenko drew attention to the continuing importance of Russia-Africa humanitarian cooperation, because “even if there are numerous efforts, including at the level of relevant UN structures, a number of hungry people, according to the experts’ data, continues to increase during the several recent years.” According to the expert, befood crisis is observed in about ten countries, four of which are in Africa.”
The First Deputy Chairman of the Committee on International Affairs Alexey Chepa
Alexey Vasilievich
emphasized that a food
crisis and a number of other serious threats in African continent is getting
worse due to the difficult international situation, including, the conflict of the USA and Israel against Iran which led to the increase in energy prices. “It
also affected fertilizer costs that should have been bought in advance. Even if
the prices fall in a few months, there will still be no harvest. And there will
be problems in Africa. And we understand that in nearest future the population
growth will be witnessed, first of all, in Africa,” he stressed.
Alexey Chepa also noted the importance of enhancing security in Africa, including by countering extremism and terrorism.
Following the round table meeting, there was developed a resolution aimed at supporting the cooperation with African states on food security issues, introduction of closed cycle technologies in agricultural and bioeconomic projects. The relevant recommendations were sent to the Government of the Russian Federation.
In addition to representatives of the State Duma, diplomats, scientists, relevant experts, representatives of the Government of the Russian Federation and business community, also participated in the discussion.
