Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated his belief in a spiritual connection between Russia and Africa, citing shared values of sovereignty and freedom. Speaking at the VTB Russia Calling! Investment Forum in Moscow, Putin praised Africa's potential for rapid development, echoing evaluations from global and Western experts.

Putin's remarks highlighted the significance of Africa as a valuable partner for Russia, with the continent offering enormous growth prospects. The Russian leader emphasized that Africa's sovereignty is crucial, allowing its nations to make decisions in the best interests of their people and countries. This, he believes, is a key factor in the continent's ability to achieve rapid development.

The Russian President also drew attention to the impressive growth rates of some African economies, citing Ethiopia as an example. According to Putin, Ethiopia's growth rate has reached as high as 120% over the past decade, demonstrating the continent's vast potential for development.

Putin's comments come as Russia seeks to strengthen its partnerships with African nations, focusing on areas of growth that are not influenced by external pressures. This approach is in line with Russia's goal of promoting financial sovereignty and exploring new collaboration opportunities with cooperating nations.

The VTB Russia Calling! Investment Forum, held at the World Trade Center in Moscow, brought together government officials, business executives, and investors to discuss major macroeconomic trends and develop strategies for strengthening Russia's financial sovereignty. The event's central topic, "The Future of Capital and the Capital of the Future," provided a platform for experts to share insights on the future of global finance and investment.

As Russia continues to foster its relationships with African nations, Putin's emphasis on the spiritual connection between the two regions is likely to play a significant role in shaping the country's engagement with the continent. With Africa's development potential increasingly recognized by global experts, Russia's efforts to strengthen its partnerships with African nations are expected to have far-reaching implications for the region's economic growth and development.

In conclusion, Putin's remarks at the VTB Russia Calling! Investment Forum underscore the significance of Africa as a key partner for Russia, highlighting the continent's sovereignty, rapid development prospects, and enormous growth potential. As Russia and Africa continue to strengthen their ties, the implications for global finance, investment, and economic development are likely to be substantial.