News - Russia Aims to Strengthen African Relations through Increased Cooperation

In a significant move to fortify partnerships, Russia is poised to deepen its collaborative efforts with African nations, as articulated by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Addressing the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum in Cairo, Lavrov emphasized the growing stature of Moscow-African relations, underscored by a notable 13% increase in bilateral trade reaching almost $28 billion last year. Lavrov remarked on the comprehensive development of the Russian-African partnership, citing the persistent political dialogue at elevated levels and the burgeoning economic collaboration and humanitarian exchanges. He stressed Russia's dedication to unlocking the extensive potential of cooperative initiatives. Highlighting the strategic importance of national-currency settlement frameworks, Lavrov outlined plans to streamline trade and safeguard investments through an uptick in ruble-based transactions, reflecting a strategic shift towards self-reliant economic exchanges. Moreover, Russia's contributions extend beyond economic fronts, as it assists African nations in fortifying their security apparatuses, with a focus on counterterrorism. Lavrov extended invitations to African countries without diplomatic missions in Moscow to establish embassies, mentioning Botswana and Togo's intentions to do so. With over 50 African state representatives in attendance, the event paves the way for the forthcoming third Russia-Africa summit in 2026. The Cairo conference, marking the inaugural ministerial-level gathering in Africa, emphasizes expanding multi-faceted cooperation, building on the foundation laid at the 2019 Sochi summit. During the forum, Lavrov engaged in productive bilateral discussions with numerous participating countries, including Egypt, Tanzania, Namibia, and Gambia, each expressing enthusiasm for enhanced interaction with Russia. Further dialogues are anticipated with colleagues from Algeria, Tunisia, and Rwanda, signaling the robust trajectory of this diplomatic initiative.