Third Russia-Africa summit to take place this year - Putin

MOSCOW. Jan 15 (Interfax) - Russia has started preparations for holding the third Russia-Africa summit in 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"We are starting preparations for holding the next, third Russia-Africa summit this year," Putin said after a ceremony of accepting credentials from foreign ambassadors on Thursday.

Russia and Africa have "relations of true partnership, support and mutual assistance," Putin said.

"We remain committed to the expansion of mutual political, economic and humanitarian contacts. We continue assisting the people of Africa in their ambition to develop, to actively participate in international affairs," Putin said.

Russia-Africa summits earlier took place in Sochi and St. Petersburg.