MOSCOW, October 30. /TASS/. Russia and Eritrea should devote more attention to developing trade and economic ties, Russian leader Vladimir Putin said during a meeting with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki.

"As for Russian-Eritrean relations, they are developing. We certainly need to pay greater attention to trade and economic cooperation and discuss measures to improve trade turnover," Putin said. "We see potential in sectors such as energy, mining, infrastructure, agriculture, and fisheries. We are providing assistance in strengthening your food security."

Putin emphasized that Russia and Eritrea share common positions on many pressing international issues. "And, of course, we are grateful to you, Mr. President, for supporting Russian initiatives at the United Nations and other multilateral platforms. We take note of this, and I want to say that we truly value it," he stressed.

According to the Russian leader, the Eritrean president's participation in the Russia-Africa Summit yielded positive results. "And today, we have the opportunity to discuss our bilateral relations," Putin noted.