Russia has reaffirmed its support for Egypt’s ongoing mediation efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza while announcing a landmark initiative to establish a cross-border media center that will connect African and Asian nations, a move reflecting Moscow’s growing interest in strengthening its partnerships across the Global South.
The announcement was made by Sergey Bajinov, Vice President of the Russian Committee of Solidarity with the Peoples of Africa and Asia, during a press conference held at the Russian Embassy in Cairo on Sunday. Bajinov said that the initiative, which emerged as one of the key outcomes of the committee’s Cairo meetings, seeks to enhance communication and cooperation between developing regions through media, technology, and education.
He explained that the main headquarters of the new media center will be located in Moscow, while branch offices will be established in several member countries, including Egypt. These centers, he added, will act as digital and cultural bridges designed to facilitate information sharing, provide access to the latest communication tools, and promote the principles of international solidarity and mutual development.
In response to a question from Daily News Egypt, Bajinov revealed that a Russian delegation is scheduled to visit Bahrain to explore the establishment of an additional media hub for the organization. “One of our main goals is to advance research on artificial intelligence and its applications in engineering, diplomacy, and global communication,” he said, emphasizing that the initiative reflects Russia’s determination to invest in innovation-driven cooperation with its partners across Africa and Asia.
Bajinov described the planned network as a “transcontinental platform for exchange” that will not only strengthen the flow of information but also contribute to training young professionals, promoting digital literacy, and building technological capabilities among member states.
Turning to regional developments, Bajinov praised Egypt’s decisive role in mediating efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and in hosting the recent Peace Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, noting that Cairo continues to serve as a “trusted interlocutor and a cornerstone of stability in the region.” He stressed that Moscow supports Egypt’s approach, which is “based on dialogue, de-escalation, and balanced diplomacy.”
He further reaffirmed Russia’s support for peace “in line with the framework proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump,” describing the plan as containing constructive elements — including halting the killing of Palestinian civilians and ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
Bajinov underlined that stability in the Middle East remains a strategic priority for Russia due to its geographical proximity and global significance. He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s active role in backing diplomatic efforts and emphasized Moscow’s readiness to expand cooperation with Arab nations in key sectors such as trade, technology, and industrial development.
Discussing his visit to Cairo, Bajinov said that it aims to revitalize the mission of the Russian Committee of Solidarity, which was established between 1955 and 1956 to support national independence movements across Africa and Asia during the decolonization period. He announced that the next international conference of the committee will be held in Baghdad in April 2026, marking a new phase in the organization’s work to reinforce multilateral cooperation.
He also revealed that the committee plans to expand its membership to include politicians, diplomats, academics, and experts from a wider range of partner countries, while giving youth representatives a more active role in shaping the committee’s future agenda. Additionally, he noted that discussions are underway to broaden cooperation with Latin American countries, particularly Cuba, under the umbrella of the Group of 77, to create a more inclusive South-South partnership framework.
Bajinov concluded by emphasizing that the establishment of the new media centers will go beyond the sphere of information-sharing, serving as platforms for educational collaboration, cultural exchange, and tourism promotion. He cited the example of Oman, where the creation of 50 heritage replicas led to a 30 percent increase in Russian tourist arrivals within just six months — a model, he said, that demonstrates the power of cultural connectivity in strengthening economic and social ties.
The press conference underscored Moscow’s renewed focus on deepening its partnerships with Africa and Asia through cooperation, technology, and shared communication channels — with Egypt emerging as both a regional anchor and a central player in Russia’s vision for a more interconnected Global South.
