MOSCOW, January 31. /TASS/. Russia’s plenipotentiary presidential representative on the Middle East and African countries, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail bogdanov discussed in Addis Ababa development of cooperation between Russia and the African Union, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.
The high-ranking Russian diplomat participated in the 24th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of States and Governments of the African Union and presented an address from Russia’s President Vladimir Putin to leaders of states and governments of the African Union, participating in the summit.
"On the sidelines of the forum, Mikhail Bogdanov had meetings and talks with President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of Mauritania, Mohamed Abdel Aziz, President of Madagascar Hery Rajaonarimampianina, President of Equatorial Guinea Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President of Gabon Ali Bongo, Vice President of Angola Manuel Vicente, Foreign Minister of Mozambique Oldemiro Baloi, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hossein Amir Abdollahian, Deputy Secretary General of the Arab League Ahmed Ben Helli."
"The parties discussed current bilateral and regional agendas, further improvement of diverse cooperation between Russia and Africa, including cooperation with sub-regional organisations of that continent," the foreign ministry said.
The Russian diplomat was received by Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and had consultations with Foreign Minister Tedros Adhanom. The sides discussed detailed issues of developing cooperation between the countries, further political dialogue and coordination of approaches at various international platforms, including at the United Nations Organisation.
"They paid special attention to the problems of settling the domestic conflict in the Republic of South Sudan," the Russian ministry said. "In that context, the Russian official had discussions with leaders of South Sudan’s opposing sides - President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar, as well as participated in a multilateral meeting featuring special representatives of the U.S., EU, the UK and Norway on South Sudan. The Russian side stressed there is no alternative to a negotiation solution, which would guarantee establishment of peace in the country and stabilising situation in the sub-region."
"Mikhail Bogdanov discussed with chair of the African Union’s Commission Nkosazana Clarice Dlamini-Zuma and head of the African Union's Peace and Security Council Smail Chergui details of further improvement of cooperation between Russia and the African Union, including coordination of efforts for settlement of crisis situations in Africa," the Russian foreign ministry said.