Lavrov calls Macron’s statement on expansion of Russia-Africa ties 'offensive'

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has commented on French President Emmanuel Macron’s statement about the expansion of the Russia-Africa ties.

“The French president’s statement is "offensive". As for President Macron and his statements, indeed, in general, one would expect more ethical statements from the French because President Macron said, if I remember correctly, that he is concerned about Russia's military and diplomatic activity in Africa and that he would call it support for absolutely failed, illegitimate regimes and juntas, rather than cooperation,” the minister said following the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the SCO member states in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

“If we see the list of countries that we visited in Africa, if he reacted to this, then it was quite insulting for African states that continue consistently developing relations with the Russian Federation,” the diplomat said.

President Macron visited Cameroon, Benin, and Guinea-Bissau on July 25-28, 2022. His visit to Africa coincided with Lavrov’s visit to the continent. The Russian diplomat traveled to Egypt, Congo, Uganda, and Ethiopia on July 23-27, 2022 where he met leaders of countries, diplomats, and the chairman of the Arab League.

While commenting on the Russian diplomat's visit to Africa, Macron expressed concern over the expansion of Russia's diplomatic and military ties with Africa.

He also said that Russia complements diplomatic contacts with the intervention of private military companies. Among the key tasks of his new presidential term, Macron named the restoration of full ties with Africa.