Substantial set of intergovt documents, deals planned to be signed at Russia-Africa summit - Russian Foreign Ministry

MOSCOW. Aug 20 (Interfax) - A substantial package of intergovernmental documents and commercial contracts is planned to be signed during the Russia-Africa summit scheduled for this fall, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Thursday.

"Active preparations are underway for a third Russia-Africa summit which, I remind, will take place in Moscow and I think will become the main event in our relations in the current years. Heads of state and government of all African countries have been invited as have the chief executives of the continent's regional blocs," Zakharova said.

Given the "mutual interest in stepping up our trade and investment cooperation, we plan to focus the agenda of the upcoming summit meeting on economic matters," she said.

"We have a huge potential in this sphere, which has not yet been fully realized, as everyone admits. Key priorities have also been determined: to cooperate on peaceful uses of nuclear power, to develop independent payment systems, food security, digitalization, including the adoption of artificial intelligence," Zakharova said.

The program of economic and humanitarian forums on the summit's sidelines includes topical sessions and an exhibition segment, she said. There, the attendees can discuss in substance a wide range of matters, including boosting Russian-African ties in agriculture, healthcare, education, and scientific-technical and cultural cooperation.

"We expect to sign a substantial package of interstate documents and commercial contracts during the event. Well, and we also note, of course, with satisfaction, our partners' considerable interest in the forthcoming event. Many African capitals have already confirmed their attendance and declared their intention to send representative delegations to Moscow, including heads of state entities and businessmen, of course," Zakharova said.

"And there is no doubt that the third Russia-Africa summit will be held at a high organizational level and lend strong impetus to a further development of the Russia-Africa partnership in all areas," she said.