Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a working breakfast with 41 foreign ministers from African countries on the sidelines of the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow

Photo: MFA

Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s meeting with foreign ministers from African countries:

On October 28, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a working breakfast with 41 foreign ministers from African countries on the sidelines of the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow.

The participants held an in-depth exchange of views on a broad range of international and regional issues. The discussion confirmed their shared assessments of current global developments and their commitment to working together to build a just multipolar world order.

The Russian side expressed support for political and diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts on the African continent, as well as for relevant peacekeeping efforts under the auspices of the African Union, in keeping with the fundamental principle of “African solutions to African problems.”

The participants stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of crises on the basis of the UN Charter. They also reaffirmed their commitment to deepening Russian-African coordination within international organisations, primarily at the United Nations.

Following the event, a signing ceremony was held for the Agreement on the Foundations of Relations between the Russian Federation and the Central African Republic.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks at a working breakfast with foreign ministers from African countries:

Colleagues,

Friends,

It is a pleasure to see you all and to welcome you to Moscow for a ministerial meeting on the sidelines of the third Russia-Africa Summit.

We know that some of our African friends were strongly discouraged from travelling to Russia. Political pressure, blackmail, and threats to cut aid programmes were used, and even fake news was spread. I read reports claiming that there was an “outbreak of plague” in our country and that people should not travel to Russia.

We are genuinely pleased that, despite these unscrupulous Western manipulations, the overwhelming majority of our friends have come to the summit and are taking a very active part in its proceedings.

Africa is experiencing what we call a second awakening. In the 1960s, when the process of decolonisation began, with our country playing a major role, the primary goal was political independence. Today, following the achievement of political independence, Africans are seeking to secure economic, energy, and financial sovereignty.

Russia will always be an ally of African countries on this path. We are ready to continue sharing Russian expertise and helping strengthen your independence and sovereignty. This is an objective historical trend in the emergence of a multipolar world.

The importance Africa holds for Russian foreign policy is reflected in the expansion of our diplomatic presence across the continent. Since the previous summit in 2023, Russia has opened eight more embassies, bringing the total number in the region to 48.

We are pleased to see reciprocal steps by our African friends, who are also interested in opening diplomatic missions in Moscow. We are doing everything we can to facilitate this.

The third Russia-Africa Summit and the Economic and Humanitarian Forum, which begin today, will focus on economic cooperation, trade, and investment. Our leaders will adopt key documents and set the main trajectory for Russia-Africa partnership.

I propose that we take this opportunity to exchange views on the most pressing international and regional issues affecting the situation around the world, including cooperation with our African friends.

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