RUSUTSU, (Hokkaido), July 9 (RIA Novosti) - Moscow is ready to increase assistance to African countries, the Russian president said on Wednesday.

"Russia is ready to increase assistance to African countries, including in enhancing its peacekeeping potential, as well as to participate in developing healthcare and education systems," Dmitry Medvedev told a news conference following the G8 summit in Japan.

He also said that Russia supported the efforts of the world community to develop African economies.

Moscow has written off $16 billion worth of debt owed by African states and is in talks over another $550 million.