Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced on Wednesday the opening of four more Russian embassies in Africa.
Speaking at a meeting with governors of Russian regions in Moscow about expanding cooperation with Africa, Lavrov said the continent is still lacking economic independence and remains a source of raw materials.
“The lion’s share of added value is still produced in other countries, largely and crucially in former metropolitan areas,” he noted.
He said the economy will be among the central issues at the upcoming Russia-Africa summit scheduled for October in Moscow.
“The main upcoming event in the foreign policy calendar is the third Russia-Africa summit. It is scheduled to take place in Moscow (as agreed) at the end of October this year. It is currently being prepared,” he said.
The minister highlighted that trade turnover between Russia and Africa exceeded $27 billion last year, which is several times more than a decade ago, including thanks to cooperation between Russian regions and African countries.
“Eighty-one regions maintain cooperative relations with African countries to one degree or another,” he said.
Russia is restoring its presence in Africa, which sharply declined after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, he said.
“Currently, there are 45 Russian embassies operating on the continent, and four more will open in the near future,” he said.
