Russia has written off more than $ 20 billion debt of African countries, said director of the Russian Foreign Ministry Department of International Organisations Vladimir Sergeyev at a session of the U.N. General Assembly on September 17.

Russia also takes an active part in developing the African Continent within international programmes and within interstate cooperation, the official said.

He added that Russia has contributed $ 50 million to the World Bank fund on the development of poor countries. Most of this money will be invested in support of the sub-Saharian region.

“Humanitarian aid is provided to the countries of the region on the bilateral basis. Donor assistance is rendered to Ethiopia, Somalia, Guinea, Kenya and Djibouti,” the Russian diplomat said.

Photo: Reuters