Farmajo jets out of Somalia, heads to Sochi for Russia-Africa Summit

MOGADISHU, Somalia – The President of the Federal Government of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has departed Mogadishu on Monday for Russia, Garowe Online reports.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will host dozens of African leaders this week as the country seeks to foster its ties with the continent.

Somali president will join heads of state from more than 35 African countries are expected to attend for the first Africa-Russia Summit in the Black Sea resort of Sochi during Oct 23-24.

The summit, which will be chaired by Putin comes on the heels of nearly five years of a strong diplomatic, economic and military push to formalize Russia’s re-entry as a dominant global player in Africa.

The upcoming Sochi meeting will focus on exploring and expanding opportunities in security, trade and investment, science and technology, as well as gas production, according to the Russian Government.

Though never a colonial power in Africa, Russia was a crucial player on the continent in the Soviet era, backing independence movements and training a generation of African leaders.

GAROWE ONLINE