Russia committed to strengthening trade-economic interaction with African countries - Russian FM

MOSCOW. May 25 (Interfax) - Russia is committed to promoting political dialogue and qualitatively strengthening trade-economic interaction with African countries, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday.

"We are committed to further promoting political dialogue," Lavrov said at a reception held on the occasion of Africa Day.

"At this point, it is no less important to qualitatively strengthen trade-economic cooperation," he said.

"Trade is growing rapidly, but absolute figures, of course, show that very much remains to be done," he said.

"Our embassies in Niger, Sierra Leone and South Sudan started working last year. Diplomatic missions will open in Gambia, Liberia, Togo, and the Union of the Comoros," Lavrov said.

Russia "welcomes the plans of some African countries to open its embassies in Moscow," he said.

"We will do everything to facilitate this," he said.

The 3rd Russia-Africa Summit will take place in Moscow in October 2026, Lavrov said.

"We will be happy to host the leaders of all states, religious associations of the continent and, of course, the leaders of the African Union," Lavrov said.