Russia ready for foreign policy coordination with African Union, open to dialogue on security - Putin

MOSCOW. Oct 28 (Interfax) - Russia is prepared to closely coordinate its steps with the African Union on the foreign policy agenda and help African countries counter terrorism, transnational crime, and drug trafficking, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"Russia is committed to continuing close coordination with the African Union on a broad range of foreign policy issues and is open to dialogue on peace and security and on resolving and preventing crises," Putin said at a meeting with the heads of African regional organizations in Moscow.

"We stand ready to continue helping our African partners in combating universal modern-day challenges and threats such as terrorism, transnational crime, and drug trafficking," Putin said.