Moscow, October 1 (QNA) – Russia announced that it has written off $23 billion in debt owed by African countries under the “Debt for Development” program.

In a dialogue session on Russia-Africa relations today, Marat Berdyev, Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador for G20 Affairs, affirmed Russia’s readiness to assist Africa.

He said the global view of Africa is changing before our eyes. Previous Western narratives about Africa as a subject of international politics and its need for significant external support are outdated.

He pointed out that Africa is confidently advancing toward the forefront of the global political and economic scene, and that, according to the World Bank (WB), intra-regional trade on the continent will grow by 80% in the foreseeable future, which will provide a good basis for cooperation with Russia. (QNA)