FM Lavrov: Russia to open embassies in seven African countries

Russia is set to open embassies in seven African countries over the next two years, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

The new diplomatic missions will be established in the Gambia, Liberia, Comoros, Niger, Sierra Leone, Togo, and South Sudan, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media. 

Lavrov noted that, currently, Russia has three new embassies operating in Africa.

The Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of this diplomatic expansion, stating, “This is a significant number, and we are being met with cooperation. We are also discussing with colleagues from the Ministry of Economic Development and the Ministry of Industry and Trade the possibility of increasing the number of trade representations on the continent. At the moment, there are only five, but more are needed.”

Russia is also expanding its diplomatic presence in the CIS countries, Asia, and Latin America.

"This work has been put on a systematic basis and will continue consistently," said Lavrov. "The foreign policy line approved by President [Vladimir Putin] is, I want to emphasize this, of a long-term strategic nature; it is not subject to domestic political circumstances and is not dependent on the whims of our adversaries."

Earlier, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that, in 2023, Russian embassies began operating in Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea, with Niger and Sierra Leone next in line, where the resumption of operations is being discussed, following a cessation in 1992 due to financial reasons, 

By Aghakazim Guliyev