Africa is becoming increasingly important in influencing global issues. This was the point emphasized by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday. There are also plans by the Kremlin to increase its influence on the continent via the establishment of more Russian embassies in Africa.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized Africa's increasing importance in global issues
- Russia intends to open diplomatic missions in South Sudan, Niger, and Sierra Leone
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov highlighted the growth of trade between Russia and Africa
The Russian President, Vladimir Putin recently stated that African countries are playing an increasingly crucial role in handling critical issues across the world, as seen in the Russian newspaper Sputnik.
"African countries have achieved universally recognized success in the economic and social spheres, and are playing an increasingly important role in addressing pressing issues on the international agenda,” the president stated, in his message to commemorate the upcoming Africa Day.
The Russian president, before his comments on Thursday had stated in his annual speech to the Russian parliament that Russia's engagement with Africa is coming along well and that it is critical to establish new sites of contact in this alliance.
DON’T MISS THIS: Niger welcomes the Russian language and culture to its native land
A different report by Sputnik disclosed Russia’s intention to open embassies in more African countries. According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Russia intends to open diplomatic missions in South Sudan, Niger and Sierra Leone.
"We are now preparing to open full-fledged diplomatic missions in Sierra Leone, Niger, and the Republic of South Sudan," the Minister said during the same event commemorating Africa Day.
The foreign minister also emphasized the growth of trade between Russia and Africa.
"We note the growth of Russian-African trade. It grew by 30% and amounted to about $25 billion last year," Lavrov said at a reception on the occasion of Africa Day.
The Russian embassy in Burkina Faso reopened last December following Russia’s 31-year absence from the West African country.
Russia has been making concerted efforts to increase its influence in Africa, including sending troops to Niger and establishing or growing its bilateral trade with some African countries.
