June 12 is the National Day of the Russian Federation, the largest country in the world, covering more than 17 million square kilometres and stretching across 11 time zones. On its vast territory endowed with abundant resources and natural Marvels, about 145 million people of 190 nationalities live in harmony, speaking more than 270 indigenous languages and dialects, preserving a thousand-year-long history of their state.
For Russians, this day bears a deep and special meaning. It symbolises both the national unity and historical continuity with proud traditions of sovereignty. We carefully cherish the memory of ancestors, the lessons of great history, as well as the traditions and roots of our diverse multinational homeland. Throughout history, Russian national identity was forged in numerous struggles against invaders, for free social, industrial and scientific development, as well as for protection of cultural diversity. Over the centuries, my country has repelled all sorts of external threats, overcome most difficult internal crises, grown strong, but never sought to build its wealth on colonialism or the subjugation of other nations.
Today, despite the adverse outside environment incited by the collective West, the Russian Federation continues to develop successfully, transforming and adapting to the new reality and paving its own path of development, strengthening its political, economic, technological and cultural sovereignty. The external challenges became a strong incentive for import substitution, development of domestic technologies, modernisation of production facilities and strengthening of financial independence. In 2024, our country has become the world’s fourth-largest economy by GDP measured at purchasing power parity, demonstrating significant economic growth – 4.3 per cent.
Russia’s latest scientific, industrial and IT know-how and achievements are in demand all over the world. The Russian expertise in nuclear technologies and research is well known. In the field of space exploration Moscow continues to be a leader in the number of orbital launches and regular manned flights. In medicine, our doctors and researchers have achieved impressive results, pioneering in production of the first Covid-19 vaccine – Sputnik V. We have a lot more to share with interested partners: from digitalisation, cybersecurity and e-government systems to biotechnologies, as well as environment protection solutions. My nation is one of the world leaders in innovation and education, attracting a growing number of foreign students. Russian cultural heritage continues to inspire millions and can never be erased or ‘cancelled’.
As a founding member state of the United Nations, the Russian Federation remains faithful to the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, including sovereign equality of states, non-interference in their internal affairs, respect for territorial integrity, equality and self-determination of peoples, and respect for fundamental freedoms for all. We consistently advocate for the world order based on the international law that serves as the only basis for fair regulation of interstate relations.
The same convictions motivate Russia’s support for African independence. It was Moscow that initiated the adoption of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by the UN General Assembly in 1960. It proceeded to support the young states with generous technical assistance, capacity-building, supplies of equipment, deployment of medics, engineers, teachers and other specialists.
Russia and Kenya have managed to build strong ties. My country was among the first nations to recognise the independence of the Republic of Kenya in 1963 and offered its assistance in education and healthcare. In 1969, the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Technical and Referral Hospital was built and continues to be supported by us, serving as a symbol of our friendship.
Today this cooperation develops and evolves with new people-to-people contacts, direct business engagements, tourist and cultural exchanges. Hundreds of Kenyans go to Russia to pursue higher education. Every 10th doctor in Kenya received his or her degree in a Russian school. Bilateral trade has reached $600 million and keeps growing. Dialogue between the countries has traditionally developed in a friendly manner. Our approaches on the global agenda in spheres such as environment, international information security, global heritage preservation, combatting terrorism and transnational crime, and others are close or coincide.
This happens against the background of overall increase in the dynamism of Russian-African relations, which continue to be based on the same fundamental principles of equality, non-interference and trust. The security and economic support that we are providing at the requests of the national governments on the continent bolsters the sovereignty of African states. I am confident that amid tectonic shifts in the global world order, African nations deserve to take their rightful place as one of the pillars of the emerging multipolarity. However, it will be possible for only those who are bold enough to act to achieve these changes. Being an active supporter of the eradication of all vestiges of colonialism and neo-colonial practices, Russia is a time-tested ally of Africans in building a more just, equitable stable and truly multipolar world. Building cooperation with Moscow is becoming a crucial part of any state’s successful and balanced foreign and economic course. We always remain open for mutually beneficial and respectful collaboration.
