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Lavrov comments on Russia’s relations with Africa

The top diplomat says cooperation between Russia and African countries is not affected by external factors

© Vyacheslav Prokofiev/TASS

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MOSCOW, October 22. /TASS/. Cooperation between Russia and African countries is not affected by external factors, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a plenary session of the Russia-Africa forum on Monday.

"Today Africa is an important factor for Russia, a participant in the emerging sustainable polycentric global architecture. Our ties with the states on the continent have a value of their own and do not depend on fluctuations of the international situation," he noted. "We know that our African friends adhere to the same stance."

The Russia-Africa forum is being held in Moscow on Monday as a preliminary event ahead of the summit of Russia and African counties.

Taking part in the plenary session opening the event, along with Lavrov, are Madagascar’s Foreign Minister Eloi Dovo, Russian Special Envoy for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, Russian Deputy Economic Development Minister Azer Talybov, Deputy Speaker of Russia’s Federation Council (upper house of parliament) Ilyas Umakhanov, Alrosa Vice President Vladimir Marchenko and Russia’s Chief Sanitary Inspector Anna Popova.

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