The first Africa-Russia Summit in Sochi

The Russia-Africa summit will be held in Sochi, Russia on Oct 23-24. It is co-chaired by Egyptian President and African Union chairman Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

This is the first event of this level in the history of Russian-African relations, expecting heads of state from 35 African countries, as well as leaders of major subregional associations and organizations.

Russian companies have invested in oil and gas in Egypt and Nigeria, in diamonds in Angola, and in metals in Guinea and South Africa.

Moscow has also used a combination of arms exports, security expertise and support for local governments to deepen its political and economic presence.

The leaders of Russia and Egypt will open an economic forum attended by Russian and African officials and representatives of major businesses.