Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov embarked on the next leg of his African tour, touching down in Congo late Monday. This visit marks his latest engagement with West African nations, amidst a backdrop of political upheavals and shifting alliances in the region.
Lavrov’s presence in Africa underscores Russia’s concerted efforts to garner support or at least maintain neutrality from the continent’s 54 nations, particularly following the aftermath of events in Ukraine.
During his visit on Monday, Lavrov engaged in discussions with Guinean Foreign Minister Morissanda Kouyaté, as confirmed by Russia’s foreign ministry. Although specifics of their conversation were not disclosed, Guinea’s government issued a statement indicating the meeting centered around exploring avenues for mutual cooperation.
Expressing his aspirations, Lavrov emphasized his intention to delve into matters concerning bilateral relations and collaborative efforts on the global stage, including within the United Nations framework.
Scheduled to convene with Congolese President Denis Sassou N’Guesso in the city of Oyo on Tuesday, as outlined in an official communication from Brazzaville, Lavrov’s itinerary beyond this encounter remains undisclosed at present.
As Lavrov continues his diplomatic tour across Africa, his interactions underscore Russia’s ongoing endeavors to solidify relationships and extend its influence within the continent’s geopolitical landscape.
