MOSCOW, April 27. /TASS/. Russia highly appreciates good long-standing relations with Eritrea and the coordination of the two countries on international platforms, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday, opening talks with his Eritrean counterpart Osman Saleh Mohammed.

"We have very good long-standing relations both at the state level and in our personal contacts, we highly appreciate it," he said.

Lavrov noted that bilateral ties traditionally cover all spheres, "including political dialogue, economic interaction, cultural, humanitarian and educational contacts." According to the Russian foreign minister, Moscow highly appreciates the coordination of the two countries' delegations at international platforms, first of all at the UN.

"Of course, our contacts always include an exchange of assessments and analysis of the situation on the African continent. And in this sense, your visit today looks even more timely. I expect useful talks aimed at advancing our relations in all directions," the Russian diplomat concluded.