MOSCOW, Aug 22 Russia will remain a reliable supplier of food to Africa, Russian President Vladimir Putin promised in his video address to the participants of the BRICS Business Forum.
“Our country is and will continue to be a responsible supplier of food to the African continent,” he said.
Putin recalled that last year, trade in agricultural products between Russia and African states increased by 10 percent and amounted to $6.7 billion, and in January-June of this year it increased by a record 60 percent.
According to the head of state, Russian grain exports to Africa in 2022 amounted to 11.5 million tons, and in the first six months of 2023 — almost 10 million tons.
«And this is despite the illegal sanctions imposed against us, which seriously impede the export of Russian food, complicate transport logistics, insurance and bank payments,» Putin added.