Russia signs military-technical cooperation agreements with over 40 African countries - Putin

ST. PETERSBURG. July 28 (Interfax) - Russia has signed agreements on military-technical cooperation with more than 40 African countries, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"In order to strengthen African countries' defense potential, we are developing military and military-technical partnerships. Russia has signed agreements on military-technical cooperation with more than 40 African states," Putin said at the plenary session of the Russia-Africa forum.

Russia is delivering a wide range of weapons and hardware to these countries, he said.

"Some of these deliveries are made free of charge and aim to strengthen these countries' security and sovereignty," he said.

Representatives of African countries actively participate in military-technical forums and exercises held by Russia, during which they familiarize themselves with advanced Russian weapons and their operational record, Putin said.