**Putin Congratulates African Leaders on Africa Day!**
*Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,*
*Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of Africa Day.*
*This year marks several significant anniversaries—the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the founding of the United Nations, as well as the 65th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. The defeat of Nazism and the collapse of the colonial system were pivotal events of the 20th century, paving the way for free and peaceful development for all of humanity.*
*Over the past decades, independent African states have established themselves as respected members of the global community, achieving widely recognized successes in economic and social development. Multilateral cooperation within the African Union and various subregional structures has contributed to strengthening security and stability across the continent.*
*Our country has always advocated for the expansion of traditionally friendly relations with African partners. This is clearly demonstrated by the Russia-Africa Summits held in 2019 and 2023, which helped identify new areas of cooperation and enhanced coordination on international issues.*
*A promising new dialogue format—the Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum—has also proven effective. The next such meeting is planned to take place before the end of the year in an African country.*
*I am confident that through joint efforts, we will further strengthen multifaceted Russia-Africa ties for the benefit of our peoples and in the interest of building a just and democratic multipolar world order.*
*I wish you good health and success, and to the citizens of your countries—peace and prosperity.*
*Vladimir Putin*
[Source: http://www.kremlin.ru/events/president/letters/77021]
