Over 40 nations from the continent have confirmed that they will attend to discuss security cooperation and geopolitical challenges

The majority of African countries will take part in Russia's annual global security forum, the Security Council in Moscow said on Tuesday. Forty-five delegations from over 40 African countries and several continental organizations - including the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) - have confirmed that they will participate.

The 13th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues will take place in Moscow from May 27 to 29 at the 'Russia' National Center, chaired by Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu.

Ways of further deepening relations between the nations, primarily in line with decisions made at previous Russia-Africa summits, will be discussed during a special briefing on the sidelines of the 13th meeting. "Significant geopolitical changes have directly affected the interests of countries in the Global South and East. The voice of African nations is becoming increasingly prominent as they seek to conduct foreign policy in the interests of their people and defend their right to choose their own path of development," the Russian Security Council's press service said in the statement. The agency added that Russia has always supported its African partners in upholding their sovereignty and national interests.

The annual international meeting of high-level representatives focusing on security issues has been held since 2010. The forum serves as an important international platform for sharing views on all matters related to global security and enhancing cooperation among partner countries in the fight against international terrorism, drug trafficking, and other threats. More than 125 delegations from over 100 countries across the Global South and East, along with representatives from 14 international organizations, are set to attend Russia's annual forum this year.

(RT.com)