Putin: Russia writes off over $20 bln debt of African states

SOCHI, Oct 23 (PRIME) -- Russia has written off more than U.S. $20 billion of debts of African states, President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday during the Russia–Africa forum.

“Our country takes part in the initiative of easing of the debt burden of African states. As of today, the combined sum of the written-off debt has exceeded $20 billion,” he said.

Russia has launched joint programs with several states that suppose utilization of debt funds for financing of national projects in Africa, he said.

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