Volodin calls for preventing rebirth of neo-colonialism in Africa
MOSCOW. July 3 (Interfax) - State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin has declared the inadmissibility of rebirth of neo-colonialism and predatory exploitation of natural resources in Africa.
"We should consolidate our efforts. We must not allow rebirth of neo-colonialism and predatory exploitation of resources in Africa. The sovereign right of African states to build their own future must be protected for that reason," Volodin said at the Russia-Africa conference held on the sidelines of the State Duma-held international forum Development of Parliamentarianism in Moscow on Wednesday.
Africa is one of the most rapidly developing regions of the world, Volodin said. "Despite global crisis phenomena, GDP growth rates reach 3.5%-5% on the continent, which is higher than the world's average," he said.
Moscow is interested in building a mutually advantageous partnership with African states for the benefit of people's prosperity in Russia and Africa, Volodin said.
"This is not just about military-technical cooperation, suppression of terrorism, and provision of cybersecurity. It is also necessary to promote development of the electric power industry, and machine building, implementation of modern information technologies, and production of fertilizers," he said.