Dealing with neo-colonialism critical to Russia, Africa relations – Haabazoka

By BUUMBA CHIMBULU

COMBATING neo-colonialism remains a central focus of foreign policy for both Russia and African nations, as they work together towards a more just global order, economist Lubinda Haabazoka, has said.
Dr Haabazoka said the strengthening of the Russian-African dialogue, including inter-parliamentary cooperation, the diversification of economic, investment, and cultural ties, and the expansion of security collaboration, were all critical to consolidating this new world order.
He said these were some of the outcomes of the “Russia-Africa: In the Struggle for Truth” which was held as part of the first ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum recently in Sochi, Russia.
Dr Haabazoke highlighted that the session emphasised that Africa was now one of the key political and economic centers in the emerging multipolar world.
“The discussion also highlighted shared strategies for countering the propaganda of the “collective West” in the information space, as well as the spread of misinformation on African issues,” he said.
The event was organised at the initiative of the Department of Information and Press of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Expert Council on the Development and Support of Comprehensive Partnerships with African Countries.
The session was opened by Maria Zakharova, the Director of the Department of Information and Press and the official spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to Dr Haabazoka, she delivered a report on the evolving nature of Russian-African cooperation in the current geopolitical landscape.
The panel discussion featured a range of prominent figures, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Mali, Abdoulaye Diop, notable scholars, public figures, and media representatives.