Russia-Africa: A New Stage of Cooperation in the Fisheries Sector – The Great African Expedition Begins in Kaliningrad The Great African Expedition (GAE) is launching from Kaliningrad, marking a large-scale project to study the state of fish stocks and other aquatic bioresources in the waters of African countries. Two research vessels from the All-Russian Research Institute of Fisheries will set out on this expedition. The ceremonial send-off will take place on August 21 at the Kaliningrad Sea Fishing Port pier. The event will be attended by: Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Patrushev, Head of the Federal Fisheries Agency Ilya Shestakov, Acting Governor of the Kaliningrad Region Alexey Besprozvannykh. The research expedition has been designated a federal project, with its organization supported by the country’s leadership. Russia and Africa share traditionally strong bonds of friendship and mutually beneficial relations, with the fisheries sector being another avenue for cooperation. Reflecting on the outcomes of the second Russia-Africa summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin noted: "We are witnessing the African continent becoming a new center of power. Its political and economic role is growing exponentially, and this objective reality must be acknowledged." In a meeting with the head of Rosrybolovstvo, the President emphasized that Africa is interested in the expedition to study the fish stocks off its coast. The mission of Rosrybolovstvo’s research vessels has expanded beyond scientific research goals. This marks a new stage in cooperation between Russia and African countries in the fisheries sector, strengthening the foundation of scientific and technical collaboration. The expedition will provide crucial scientific data on Africa’s fish resources, which will form the basis for sustainable stock management. More importantly, it will open new opportunities for the Russian fishing fleet, support the expansion of domestic fish product exports, and strengthen Russia’s geopolitical position on the African continent. The expedition will take place from 2024 to 2026 in accordance with the Russian Government’s order No. 1538-r dated June 19, 2024. Event Time: 11:00 AM (12:00 PM Moscow Time) Location: Kaliningrad Sea Fishing Port (Kaliningrad, 5th Pier Street, 1, Pier No. 19).