Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s meeting with foreign ministers of African states

On July 27, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a working lunch in St Petersburg with 31 foreign ministers of African countries who are taking part in the second Russia-Africa Summit and Economic and Humanitarian Forum.

In his welcome address, Mr Lavrov noted that the summit will allow participants to identify priority areas of Russian-African interaction and to promote it for the next few years.

During an engaging exchange of views, the foreign ministers of the Union of Comoros (the chair of the African Union), Egypt, Namibia, Mauritania and Tunisia, discussed a broad range of issues linked with the accelerated forming of a new, polycentric world arrangement. In this context, they reviewed issues of reforming the UN to ensure commensurate African representation in the UN Security Council and other key multilateral structures. Mr Lavrov emphasised that the West’s attempts to impose double standards in assessing and settling international crises and conflicts, including in Ukraine, were unacceptable. He said it was necessary to counter neocolonialist approaches and uphold historical truth and justice through a concerted effort.

 The participants focused on the current issues of further strengthening the multifaceted, long-term and mutually beneficial Russian-African partnership. During the discussion of food and energy security, Mr Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s invariable readiness to fulfill all of its international obligations responsibly and in good faith in terms of exporting agricultural products, fertilisers, energy resources and other critical supplies. Russia is ready to help the African nations improve the humanitarian situation on the continent, including without cost in some cases.

The following bilateral documents were signed during the meeting:

– Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe on Ensuring International Information Security;

– Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Cameroon on Mutual Cancellation of Visa Requirements for the Holders of Diplomatic or Service Passports;

– Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Visa-Free Travel for the Holders of Diplomatic or Service Passports.