On July 25, 2023, St. Petersburg hosted the Russian-African Conference of the Valdai Club, titled “Russia and African Countries: Established Traditions of Interaction and Prospects for Cooperation in a New World”. The Conference actually became the final synchronisation of watches at the expert level in the run-up to the summit. The first open session was dedicated to the political dialogue of Russia and African Countries. Opening of the Conference Session 1. Political Dialogue of Russia and African Countries: Mutual Understanding in a Turbulent World What are the main goals and objectives of the political dialogue between Russia and African countries in modern conditions? How effectively did cooperation develop after the first Russia-Africa summit? What has not been achieved and how to improve the effectiveness of the political dialogue? How significant for the Russia-Africa political dialogue are the value factor and solidarity in the struggle against neo-colonialism, for global equality and justice in world development?