The telegram was published on the Kremlin website.
"Russia has always attached particular importance to strengthening friendly relations with African partners. The holding of the first-ever Russia-Africa summit in 2019 served to intensify our ties in many areas," the president said.
Putin recalled that 2023 marks the 60th anniversary of the formation of the Organization of African Unity.
According to him, this international structure has played an important role in the development of multilateral dialogue and cooperation for several decades.
The Russian president also stressed that the Russia-Africa summit in July will define new tasks for expanding cooperation.
He noted that he would be glad to see African leaders in St. Petersburg.