Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted a two-day summit with African leaders in St. Petersburg. On Friday, they signed a joint declaration.

The statement calls for the establishment of a more just, balanced, and stable "multipolar world order." The leaders also pledged to cooperate in areas including trade, security, nuclear energy, and climate change.

Putin was hoping to use the summit to highlight strong ties with allies in Africa. However, he was pressured to end the fighting in Ukraine. Comorian President Azali Assoumani, who currently chairs the African Union, stressed the need for a ceasefire.

African leaders noted Russia's withdrawal this month from an agreement to allow grain exports out of Ukraine. They said disruptions to such supplies, and those of energy resources, should end "immediately."

Putin promised, in the next few months, to provide six countries with free grain. Azali, however, said that may not be enough.