RHODES - Internal stability in Africa is crucial for the development of the region and for fighting against terrorism, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said on Saturday.

"We highly appreciate the efforts of our African partners in settling local crises and conflicts ... We feel confident that steady development of African states and further problems that we are facing today would be unable to resolve without the internal stability in African states. Combating terrorist groups in Africa has a particular importance here," Bogdanov said at the Dialogue of Civilizations forum on the Greek island of Rhodes.

Bogdanov noted that due to a "shortsighted" policy of the West, Libya, for instance, has become a hotbed of terrorism.

Another problem is the return of militants to Africa, who participated in wars in Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq, according to the diplomat.

"As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Russia makes a significant contribution to the development of a strategic line and the adoption of practical measures in determining the status and mandates of various peacekeeping operations in Africa," Bogdanov added.

The two-day Dialogue of Civilizations forum began on Rhodes on Friday.