Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov: country remains reliable partner for Africa

A reception was held in Moscow on the occasion of Africa Day. The event was attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Ambassador of the Republic of Cameroon to the Russian Federation Mahamat Paba Sale. Their remarks were published by the official website of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Sergey Lavrov emphasised the importance of the African continent for international politics and historical process.

"Our country is invariably in favour of expanding traditionally friendly relations with African partners," Lavrov said.

He also emphasised Russia's support for strengthening education and economic development of the continent's countries.

"Russia remains a reliable partner contributing to Africa's sovereignty," the minister emphasised.

For his part, Mahamat Paba Sale noted the special importance of Russian-African relations.

"Russia has played a key role in the process of independence of African countries, supporting the aspiration for progress of their peoples," the diplomat said.

According to him, Russian universities train qualified personnel who are in demand in Africa, while the expansion of trade ties brings tangible benefits to local economies.

Mahamat Paba Sale expressed confidence that the partnership will only strengthen and thanked the Russian side for attention and support.

In Havana, on the other hand, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel noted Africa's deep historical influence on the Cuban nation in his address, as reported by Prensa Latina, a partner of TV BRICS.

"We celebrate Africa Day, a continent where a significant part of our ancestors lived. Their contribution to the formation of Cuba is inestimable," he wrote on social media.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez added that Cubans are proud to celebrate the date.

On the eve, AU Permanent Representative to China Rahmat Allah Mohamed Osman emphasised the significance of the holiday as a symbol of unity, writes CGTN, a partner of TV BRICS. He emphasised China's important role in supporting African countries, noting the massive Tanzania-Zambia railway project. The AU Permanent Representative to China also drew attention to the African Union's active cooperation with China under the "One Belt, One Road" initiative.

Africa Day is an annual holiday celebrated on 25 May to commemorate the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union) in 1963. The day symbolises the unity of African countries, their struggle for independence, freedom, and social justice.