At the First Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum in Sochi, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos held significant discussions about expanding coordination within BRICS and the United Nations. This forum follows the Second Russia-Africa Summit in 2023 and aims to foster stronger ties between Russia and African nations.
A Focus on Economic, Humanitarian, and Political Collaboration
In their conversation, Lavrov and Timothewos emphasized the importance of Russian-Ethiopian cooperation across various domains, including trade, economic, scientific, technical, and humanitarian initiatives. Both nations confirmed a mutual commitment to a deepened political dialogue and coordinated stances within BRICS and the UN on major global issues, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Russia’s Growing Diplomatic Engagement with African Nations
On the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Ministerial Meeting, Lavrov also engaged in bilateral talks with foreign ministers from numerous African countries, including the Central African Republic, Rwanda, Algeria, and Uganda. These discussions underscore Russia’s intent to expand its diplomatic and economic reach within Africa, aligning with the goals of BRICS and fostering a multipolar international system.
