Russian President Vladimir Putin and President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi during the signing of joint documents following Russia-Egypt talks in Sochi, October 17, 2019. /VCG Photo

Russian President Vladimir Putin and President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi during the signing of joint documents following Russia-Egypt talks in Sochi, October 17, 2019. /VCG Photo

Editor's note: The article is based on an interview with Li Xing, professor and director of the Eurasian Studies Center at Beijing Normal University. The article reflects the expert's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Is Russia going "back" to Africa? The first Russia-Africa Summit at the Russian city Sochi on October 23 is largely regarded as a turning point in Russia's Africa strategy which seeks closer cooperation with African countries after 20 years of retreat.

The two-day summit will be co-chaired by Russian President Putin and his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, which is expected to attract over 10 African leaders and 3,000 representatives from African business communities. Is this the pivot moment in Russia's Africa's strategy? According to Li Xing, professor and director of the Eurasian Studies Center at Beijing Normal University, the summit is a test for Russia to expand its influence in Africa.

Li points out that as the Soviet Union supported Africa's national independence movement during the post World War II era, the traditional influence is still there even after the disintegration of the Soviet Union. After 20 years of retreat, with Russia striving to be a major power on the global stage, the "return" to Africa is not a surprising move.

In the meantime, from a more realistic perspective, it can be said that Russia's Middle East strategy has made some achievements which have strengthened its confidence: as U.S. troops withdraw from Syria, Russia's influence over the region is expanding. Its relationship with Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Iran are also improving generally. With the proximity of the Middle East region and Africa, Putin's move can be seen as an extension of Russia's victory in his Middle East strategy.

Compared with the western world, Russia could be counted as a "latecomer" in the power politics of Africa. As many other countries like the U.S., China and Japan initiate summits with Africa, it also wanted to be the part of the picture to showcase its position to be a major power. In this sense, it seems that engagement with African countries has become one of their balanced diplomacy strategies to seek political and economic cooperation opportunities while maintaining the balance of power.