/AFRICA: Russia-Africa Conference Ends Amid Moscow's Efforts To Break Diplomatic Isolation

The 2nd International Parliamentary Conference "Russia-Africa" drew to an end yesterday as Moscow seeks to break its international isolation, triggered by last year's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and showcase itself as a leading opponent of Western unilateralism.

• In closing remarks yesterday, President Vladimir Putin told parliamentarians from more than 40 countries that Russia stands with Africa in "resisting the neo-colonial ideology imposed from abroad," while Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin expressed support for "building a multipolar, just world."
• South African news portal EWN reports that National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula told the conference that her country will continue to support the people of Russia and look to Moscow for economic support. Reports suggested that she held a number of meetings with local officials on the sidelines of the event.
• Russia has been looking to developing nations to find allies amid its growing isolation and tightening sanctions regime resulting from its war on neighbouring Ukraine. As part of its charm offensive, it will host a Russia-Africa summit on July 26-29, to which Putin invited all leaders of African states.