The foreign minister has pledged assistance in enhancing defense capabilities and countering terrorism

Moscow remains a reliable and steadfast partner to African nations by supporting efforts to strengthen their sovereignty, which is threatened by modern forms of colonialism, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said.

Lavrov made the remarks on Monday during an Africa Day event at the Russian Foreign Ministry in Moscow, addressing an audience of African diplomats and officials.

The senior diplomat reiterated Russia's longstanding support for African nations, beginning in the Soviet era when Moscow backed national liberation movements and contributed to the collapse of colonial systems.

"Today, Russia continues to foster the strengthening of Africa's position as a unique and influential center of global development... We will further assist interested African nations in enhancing their defense capabilities, countering terrorism, and ensuring food and energy security," he said.

Lavrov hailed the African Union's 2025 theme as a reflection of global efforts to address historical injustice and welcomed a UN resolution calling for an international day to confront colonialism. He urged for continued collaboration toward a just multipolar world and reaffirmed support for Africa's role in global governance, including permanent representation on the UN Security Council.

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Moscow has declared that developing ties with African states is among its top foreign policy priorities and has since increased its footprint on the continent, where several countries, including South Africa, Niger, and Burkina Faso, consider it a reliable ally.

On Monday, Lavrov reaffirmed Russia's commitment to deepening ties with African states through platforms such as the Russia-Africa Summit and by implementing agreements reached. He said the next ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum would be hosted in an African country later this year, laying the groundwork for the third summit in 2026.

"The Joint Action Plan for 2023-2026, adopted by heads of state, encompasses priority areas of cooperation, including security, trade and investment, agriculture, information and communication technologies, science, culture, and education," the foreign minister stated.

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According to Lavrov, trade between Russia and the continent has seen "dynamic growth" and exceeded $27.7 billion in 2024. He said more than 32,000 African students are currently enrolled in Russian universities, highlighting education as a pillar of bilateral cooperation.

"Joint efforts are intensifying in critical fields such as healthcare, epidemic control, and emergency prevention and response," he stated.