Russia is helping African nations strengthen their capabilities through cooperation that benefits both sides, Gamal Abdel Nasser Jr., chairman of the Nasser Foundation for Humanities and Development, has told RT.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Media Forum in Moscow, the grandson of former Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser said Russia’s growing appeal on the continent stems partly from the fact that it never took part in the colonization of the continent.
He contrasted Moscow’s approach with that of former European colonial powers, which he accused of denying African societies access to education and technological progress. “Now Russia is coming today and offering us a kind of situation where they are helping us become stronger,” Nasser Jr. said.
He acknowledged that Moscow has its own strategic interests in expanding cooperation with African countries, but argued that the relationship is beneficial to both parties.
“It’s a win-win situation, kind of. And we are happy with that,” he added.
Nasser Jr. also criticized the legacy of European colonialism, singling out Britain, France, the Netherlands and Belgium for their treatment of African populations.
Turning to Egypt’s membership in BRICS, Nasser Jr. said he had long advocated for Cairo to join the group, viewing it as an opportunity for developing countries to reduce their dependence on Western-dominated financial institutions.
He argued that the World Bank and International Monetary Fund emerged from a post-World War II system in which the US and Britain exercised disproportionate influence. BRICS, by contrast, is giving developing nations a greater role in shaping international economic arrangements, he said.
The foundation chairman also called for greater attention to colonial reparations, arguing that recovering historical artifacts taken from Egypt should be only part of a broader effort to address the consequences of foreign rule.
The remarks came at the four-day Russia-Africa Media Forum, which opened in Moscow on Monday. Organized by RT in cooperation with Sputnik and TASS, the event has brought together more than 200 media professionals and experts from 46 African countries.
The gathering comes ahead of the third Russia-Africa Summit and the accompanying Economic and Humanitarian Forum, scheduled for October 28-29 in Moscow.