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Russia wants Africa to be more independent, vital pillar of multi-polar world - Lavrov

Russian companies are interested in developing offshore hydrocarbon fields in Gambia

MOSCOW, May 15 /ITAR-TASS/. Russia wants Africa to be more independent and become a vital pillar of a multi-polar world, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a meeting with the Secretary General of the Gambian Presidential Administration, Momodou Sabally, on Thursday, May 15.

“Russia and Gambia have long-standing relations tested by time. Next year we will be celebrating their 50th anniversary. Since then cooperation has been developing steadily on the basis of mutual respect,” Lavrov said.

“Like in the years of the fight for decolonization of Africa, we would like the region to be more independent and to become an important pillar of a multi-polar world that is forming now. We want the dialogue to be backed up by increased trade and economic cooperation,” the minister said.

He noted that Russian companies were interested in developing offshore hydrocarbon fields in Gambia and cooperating in the field of fisheries. “We appreciate your delegation’s visit and the mutual commitment to deeper ties and we will be looking for ways to move further in this direction,” he added.

“Russia plays an important role in the political liberation of Africa,” Sabally said. “Gambia is the platform for Russia to play a more active role on the continent”.

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Foreign policy Russian Foreign Ministry

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