An expert at the Russian HSE University Centre for African Studies tells AFP that the upcoming second Russia-Africa forum is "an important step" toward "a reassembly of the relations" between Russia and the African countries. "It is necessary to find common grounds, to explain to each other outlooks on topical issues," says Vsevolod Sviridov. The Kremlin has confirmed the participation of 49 African countries. The summit, the second of its kind after an inaugural one that was held in 2019 in Sochi, will take place in Saint Petersburg later this week. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES