The Russian foreign minister has met with diplomats from Egypt, Tanzania, Namibia, Burundi, Botswana, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gambia

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum in Cairo on Friday.

In talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Lavrov said he was "very satisfied" with the outcome of the negotiations and confirmed Moscow's interest in maintaining regular dialogue. The sides discussed the situation in Gaza, the Palestinian-Israeli settlement, and developments in Sudan. 

The Russian minister also announced plans to expand direct air links with Egypt, which "will allow for an increase in tourist flow."

In a meeting with Tanzanian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, the two sides focused on boosting trade and economic cooperation.

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Both sides confirmed readiness to deepen coordination at the UN and other international platforms. Lavrov also welcomed the outcome of Tanzania's general elections held at the end of October, while Kombo said Tanzania hoped to further strengthen relations with Russia.

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In talks with the foreign ministers of Namibia, Burundi, Botswana, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gambia, Lavrov reaffirmed Russia's commitment to expanding traditionally friendly relations, deepening political dialogue and strengthening cooperation in trade, humanitarian affairs, education, and healthcare. The sides also confirmed readiness to enhance coordination at the UN and other international platforms.

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Namibia's foreign minister described relations with Russia as "historic," while Burundi's foreign minister said bilateral ties were strengthening "daily on the basis of mutual respect."

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According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, a Russian embassy is expected to open in Banjul, Gambia, in the near future.

Additional meetings are expected with the foreign ministers of South Sudan, Algeria, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Togo, Rwanda, Mauritania, Morocco, Malawi, and the Seychelles.

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Lavrov arrived in Cairo on the evening of December 18. The second ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum is taking place on December 19-20. The previous conference was held in November 2024 at the Sirius Federal Territory in Sochi, Russia.