L. Fituni, I. Abramova Resource Potential of Africa and Russia's ...

The talks in Luanda led the two countries to identify mining, energy,
transportation, telecommunications, military-technical cooperation,
education and health as priorities for strengthening the partnership.
Agreements were also reached on expanding Russian investment
participation in major projects of the Angolan economy,
especially in mining, hydroelectric power station construction and
development of space communications. The parties also adopted a
mid-term program of economic, scientific and technical and trade
cooperation for the period 2009–2013.
During Medvedev's Angola visit, Rosoboronexport signed a
contract to develop a satellite communication system for Angola.
The Energiya Space Rocket Corporation will develop a geostationary
satellite for this system. A package of documents was signed,
including the contracts for the ANGOSAT project and a Funding
Memorandum. The contract documents provide for the development
and launch of the ANGOSAT communications satellite, operation of
the satellite in a geostationary orbit and work to establish the latestgeneration
digital television, radio and Internet system in Angola.
Russian banks have extended credit in the amount of $300 million
for the ANGOSAT project.
There are good opportunities to expand cooperation in the electric
power industry. Specifically, a hydroelectric power station was built on
the Shikapa River by the Gidroshikapa joint venture with ALROSA
involvement in 2008. Tekhnopromexport took part in the construction
of the Kapanda hydroelectric power station, Angola's largest. The issue
of Tekhnopromexport's involvement in two large hydroelectric power
stations on the Kwanza River is being worked out.
"We value the traditions of friendship that we have developed
with the Republic of Mali; we are ready to further expand economic
contacts and search out promising future projects." This is what
President Medvedev said about Mali on January 16, 2009 during the
credentials presentation ceremony for the new Mali ambassador in
Moscow.
In May, the two countries signed a memorandum of cooperation
on fighting terrorism and organized crime. Russia and Mali are
committed to the rule of international law and the supremacy of the
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