Overview
- Sergey Lavrov said Russia will create 13 additional intergovernmental commissions with African states, adding to 19 already operating.
- Moscow reported trade with Africa exceeded $27 billion last year and said its trade missions will extend activity to 15 more countries by the end of next year.
- Russia detailed plans to deepen economic cooperation by easing trade barriers and updating legal frameworks on taxation, investment protection, customs and competition rules.
- Russia is enlarging its diplomatic footprint, noting new embassies in Niger, Sierra Leone and South Sudan this year and planned missions in Gambia, Liberia, Togo and the Comoros.
- Egypt and Russia highlighted progress at the El Dabaa nuclear plant, reported bilateral trade of $9.3 billion, discussed the Russian Industrial Zone, and underscored security coordination as Moscow also pledged counterterrorism support and leveled allegations against the Kiev regime.