By Lawal Sale
The much anticipated First Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum began today in Sochi, with panel sessions by Russian and African officials to discuss crucial issues, especially, food security for participating nations.
A total of 19 panel sessions and thematic events are scheduled to also discuss issues such as collaboration in war against terrorism, preventing an arms race in outer space, capacity building in e-goveenance, industrial and educational partnership.
The panels would also discuss trends and prospects in trade and economic partnership cooperation, prospects and outlook in the development of humanitarian cooperation in education, collaboration in fight against infections, food security and agro-industrial complex among others.
Anton Kobyakov, an Advisor to the Russian President and Maria Zakharov, spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of foreign affairs addressed the media separately on various issues regarding the improved cooperation between Russia and African countries in recent years.
Over 1,500 persons are participating in the event with more than 40 ministers,120 speakers and six press events scheduled to hold.
On the second day, November 10, a plenary session and closing ceremony are expected with the participation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
