Russia Has Written off USD 35 Billion Worth of African Debt

On Monday, speaking at a press conference in Johannesburg where he takes part in the Stable Development World Summit, Mikhail Kasyanov, Russia's Prime Minister, said Russia wanted African countries to continue developing and would assist them training their personnel and building up their healthcare and education.

According to Russia's government's Department of Information, the Prime Minister also said Russia was among the largest donors to African states. Over the past several years, Russia has written off a total of USD 35 billion worth o debts owed to her by African countries, that is, about 50% written of by all the other creditors combined.