The Russian foreign minister has reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with Africa
African countries are playing an increasingly important role in global politics and economics and are actively participating in addressing international issues, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s new Department of Partnership with Africa on Tuesday, Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to “strengthening Africa’s position in a multipolar world,” aligning with the principles of the UN Charter.
“The collective voice of African countries in world affairs is becoming louder and clearer,” the diplomat declared.
Lavrov highlighted the longstanding and deep-rooted partnership between Russia and African nations. African friends, he stressed, “have always had a reliable and understanding partner in Russia.” He underscored Russia’s selfless assistance to Africans in their “heroic struggle against colonial metropolises for freedom and independence, aiding in the restoration of their young statehood, economic development, strengthening defense capabilities, training national personnel, and addressing complex social challenges.”
The establishment of the Department of Partnership with Africa reflects how Russia has prioritized its relations with African countries, the diplomat pointed out. The move aligns with the strategic decisions made during the first Russia-Africa Summit in Sochi in 2019, where a comprehensive partnership was agreed.
In recent years, Russia has been expanding its diplomatic presence across the African continent. Plans are underway to open diplomatic offices in Gambia, Liberia, the Union of the Comoros, and Togo, according to Lavrov. Additionally, Russia will reopen its embassies in Niger and Sierra Leone, while an embassy will be inaugurated in South Sudan.
February 05, 2025 at 12:40AM
RT