MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. Russia will continue to assist African countries in enhancing their combat capabilities in order to repel current threats, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said during a press conference after talks with his Nigerian counterpart Yusuf Tuggar.

"Russia is making and, in any event, will be making a constructive contribution to the efforts of the Africans and the world community in general to stabilize the Sahara-Sahel region and will assist the regional nations in bolstering their combat capability, the capabilities of their national armed forces, security forces and law enforcement bodies in order to repel persistent threats," he said.

The top Russian diplomat pointed out that during the talks, the sides "emphasized the importance of countering the terrorist, jihadist groups operating in the region, as well as arms, drug and human trafficking."

"Regrettably, all those phenomena take place across Africa, and we welcome Nigeria’s substantial contribution and determination to carry on [with these efforts] and achieve results in combating these threats," he stated.

According to Lavrov, they also exchanged views on Sudan.

"We stand with Nigeria in putting an end to the armed confrontation and so that that everyone can support the African Union’s mediation role," the minister stressed.