Lavrov: Russia Intends to Unleash the Potential of Cooperation with African Countries

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed today, Saturday, during the first plenary session of the second ministerial conference of the "Russia-Africa Partnership Forum" in Cairo, that Russia is committed to continuing to unleash the vast potential of cooperation with African countries.

At the opening of the plenary session of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum conference, Lavrov conveyed a message from Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying: "I warmly welcome you to the opening of the second ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, and it is symbolic that this event is being held in Egypt, the country that co-chaired the first Russia-Africa summit."

Putin noted in a telegram addressed to the participants, which was read by the Russian Foreign Minister, that "African countries possess enormous economic and human potential and play an increasingly important role in global politics."

Putin added in his message: "It is important that we have recently significantly intensified constructive cooperation in many fields. Our country supports African nations in ensuring national security, addressing food shortages, combating terrorism and extremism, overcoming the consequences of natural disasters, and fighting serious epidemics."

He pointed out that "Russia places great importance on developing friendly, fully equal, and mutually beneficial relations with its African partners."

He explained that "the ministerial conference will thoroughly discuss the implementation of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum action plan for the period 2023-2026, as well as identify new and promising areas for joint work—especially in the sectors of trade, economy, and investment, where significant untapped potential remains."

Lavrov said at the opening of the plenary session of the second ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum: "The leaders of our countries place great hopes on today's meeting and expect constructive decisions and coordinated proposals from us aimed at expanding multifaceted cooperation between Russia and Africa."

He continued: "The Russia-Africa partnership is steadily developing in all fields. A purposeful and trust-based political dialogue continues, including at the highest levels. Trade and economic cooperation is strengthening. Last year, the volume of trade exchange increased by 13%, reaching nearly 28 billion dollars. I am confident that this is just the beginning. We are committed to continuing to unleash the full potential of our practical cooperation."

The second ministerial conference of the "Russia-Africa Partnership Forum" is being held with the participation of more than 50 African countries and broad ministerial-level attendance, alongside several heads of regional organizations.

The conference follows up on the momentum established during the first ministerial conference in Sochi in November 2024, with the current edition focusing on enhancing economic, trade, and investment cooperation, supporting peace, security, and stability, and achieving sustainable development.