MOSCOW, November 2. /TASS/. Malabo plans to boost defense cooperation with Moscow, Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo said at a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

"I would like to strengthen defense cooperation for the protection of our countries," he pointed out.

Equatorial Guinea’s president also said he would like to discuss bilateral issues and global developments with Putin.

An official at Equatorial Guinea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophone Affairs told TASS earlier that the country was interested in expanding its partnership with Russia, particularly within the BRICS group.

The opening of Russia’s embassy in the African country, which is expected to take place before the end of the year, is also expected to contribute to the rapid growth of cooperation between the two nations.