At the Russia–Africa summit, Putin linked socioeconomic development to security

At the plenary session of the third Russia–Africa summit in Moscow, Vladimir Putin stated that without resolving security problems, the economic and social development of states is impossible. The statement was prompted by the address of President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Félix Tshisekedi.

Otabek YusupovFirst published on tafs uz 29 October 2026 at 15:101 min read

The key facts

Putin supported the security issue raised by Tshisekedi
In Putin's view, the UN Security Council should give these issues due attention
It was previously reported that Russia is ready to help Africa fight terrorism and drug trafficking

Statement at the summit in Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at the plenary session of the third Russia–Africa summit in Moscow, stated that without resolving security problems, it is impossible to ensure the economic and social development of states. This was reported by Life.ru.

Reaction to Tshisekedi's address

The statement was prompted by the address of President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Félix Tshisekedi, who raised the issue of ensuring security. Putin endorsed the importance of the question he raised: “You drew attention to a very important aspect, namely the issue of ensuring security. Of course, without solving these problems, there can be no talk of any economic or social development. It is an obvious thing,” the outlet quoted him as saying.

The role of the UN Security Council and context

The president separately pointed to the role of the UN Security Council: in his view, security issues should receive due attention at the international level. Earlier, Life.ru reported on Russia's readiness to help African countries in the fight against terrorism, drug trafficking and transnational crime, as well as on Putin's confirmed openness of Moscow to dialogue on issues of peace, crisis prevention and international security.