Russia plans to enhance cooperation during its second Africa summit in St Petersburg starting on Thursday, focusing on delivering grain and fertilizer to African nations.

Ten days ago, Russia refused to extend the year-long agreement that allowed the export of nearly 33 million tons of Ukrainian grain and other food products via the Black Sea.

Due to the naval blockade as a result of its war against Ukraine, Russia has faced international criticism for withholding large quantities of wheat and corn from the global market, causing food prices to rise.

Both Ukrainian and Russian grain are considered significant contributors to fighting world hunger.

Besides food security, the summit is also expected to address trade expansion.

Russia is a major arms supplier to Africa.

During the meetings with leaders of several African nations, President Vladimir Putin aims to demonstrate that he is not isolated internationally despite the ongoing war.

He also intends to continue discussions on the peace initiative involving African states to resolve the conflict around Ukraine, as announced by the Kremlin.

According to the Kremlin, representatives from 49 out of the 54 African countries will attend, with 17 being heads of state or government.

This is fewer participants than during the inaugural summit in 2019.

The Kremlin accused the West of pressuring countries to stay away from the meeting.

The summit is expected to result in another joint declaration, similar to the one issued in 2019 in the Black Sea resort of Sochi.