Feodor Afanasov Initiated the Creation of the Eurasian-African Fund as Part of the Development of Cooperation with Democratic Republic of the Congo
On November 12th, at the initiative of Deputy Dmitry Kuznetsov and the head of the International Medical Humanitarian Mission, Ekaterina Glock, a roundtable discussion on the development of cooperation between Russia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was held at the State Duma of the Russian Federation. This event took place ahead of the XII Ecclesiastical Congress on Social Services of the Russian Orthodox Church, which is scheduled to take place on November 8-11th, 2025. During this event, a high-ranking delegation from the DRC led by Willy Mishiki Buhini, an Honorary Minister and Deputy of the National Assembly, arrived in Moscow.
The main topic of the meeting was the integration of spiritual and humanitarian values into economic cooperation. Feodor Afanasov, head of the International Committee for Humanitarian and Social Policy at the FBA EAC, delivered a keynote address in an open letter to the participants, setting this as the agenda for the meeting.
"Building Bridges": a New Approach to Economic Partnership
In his speech, Feodor Afanasov announced the principle of "Building Bridges" as a foundation for building relationships with African countries. He emphasized that the FBA EAC, which brings together banks and companies from dozens of countries, sees its goal in combining economic growth with a spiritual basis: "Economic growth is impossible without a moral foundation. Our association is opening up a new direction - humanitarian and charitable, designed to strengthen international collaboration in the fields of charity, education, and protection of traditional values."
As part of this strategy, the head of the International Committee for Humanitarian and Social Policy of the FBA EAC proposed a specific tool for implementing this philosophy - the creation of the Eurasian-African Fund for Spiritual and Cultural Cooperation. This fund aims to unite the efforts of churches, businesses, and public organizations in providing humanitarian assistance, strengthening traditional values, and promoting intercultural dialogue.
From Words to Actions: Building Spiritual Bridges to Africa
Feodor Afanasov also mentioned that work on building "bridges" is underway. He gave the example of the active peacekeeping and social work of the Russian Orthodox Church in African countries, such as the construction of churches, schools, and assistance for those in need in Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania.
He emphasized that Africa is not only a continent with challenges, but also a place of rebirth and the cradle of Christianity. He believes that a new center of civilization based on faith and brotherhood could arise from Africa. By combining the spiritual strength of the East, the energy of Eurasia, and the soul of Africa, they can create a world with multiple spiritual poles.
Supporting Initiatives and Signing Agreements
The initiative presented by Afanasov received wide support from the participants at the round table. Ekaterina Glock, in turn, confirmed her willingness to organize a medical mission in the DRC in 2026. Louis Gowend noted the significant potential for trade growth, which exceeds the current figure of $250 million.
On the part of the educational and medical community, Yulia Gushchina, representative of RUDN University, announced the launch of special educational programs for Congolese students. Sergei Korotkov, Advisor to the Ministry of Health, emphasized the immense prospects for developing medical cooperation between the two countries.
The event also served as a practical platform to strengthen partnerships. During the roundtable, two memorandums were signed: one between the International Medical Humanitarian Mission of Ekaterina Glock and the Congolese Buhini First Foundation, and another between the Buhini First Foundation and the African Business Club in Russia. These agreements aim to jointly prepare for the Russia-Africa Expo 2026 in the Congo and develop economic ties.