The international media tour "TASS–Africa: The Road of Friendship" has commenced in Russia. Organized by the Russian news agency TASS from November 16 to 24, the tour brings together delegations of African journalists visiting Moscow, Kazan, and St. Petersburg to gain firsthand insight into the growing Russia–Africa cooperation.
During a press conference held by the agency to mark the launch of the tour, Tatyana Dovgalyenko, Director of the Africa Partnership Department at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that hosting dozens of journalists from across the continent reflects "Moscow’s commitment to opening more channels of direct understanding with Africa and to familiarizing African partners with Russian policies from within Russia itself."
Dovgalyenko noted that the tour represents a natural extension of trust-building efforts, stating that "African friends see Russia as a country that strongly defends its sovereignty and supports others in safeguarding theirs, making the relationship one of long-term friendship."
She added that the media tour comes at a moment when Africa`s presence on the international stage is expanding, highlighting Russia’s support for the continent’s aspirations to secure a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and its respect for decisions made by independent African states.
Dovgalyenko also stressed that the Russia–Africa summits held in 2019 and 2023 marked "a new beginning in reviving the Russia–Africa partnership," noting that cooperation today continues to expand across political, economic, and cultural spheres.
The TASS–Africa tour is expected to provide participating journalists with extensive opportunities to visit media, cultural, and industrial institutions in major Russian cities, learn about ongoing joint projects, and explore new cooperation plans, in a move aimed at deepening mutual understanding between Russia and African countries.