[Lavrov: Russia will continue to assist African countries in enhancing their defense capabilities]
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on May 26 at a reception celebrating "Africa Day" that Russia will continue to assist African countries in enhancing their defense capabilities, combating terrorism, and ensuring their food and energy security.
He pointed out that trade and economic relations between Russia and Africa are continuously developing, with bilateral trade volume exceeding $27.7 billion in 2024. "This is far from the upper limit considering the potential of both sides," he added. Lavrov also mentioned that education is one of the most dynamic fields in Russian-African cooperation, with more than 32,000 African students currently studying in Russian universities. Moreover, cooperation in healthcare, epidemic prevention, emergency response, and other fields is constantly strengthening.
This move continues the trend of Russia's deepening strategic cooperation with Africa in recent years, aiming to enhance its influence in Africa through military, economic, and cultural cooperation, and address Western competition.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1833194011793472/
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