Cairo, December 19 — On the sidelines of the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Botswana’s Minister of International Relations, Phenyo Butale, to discuss deepening cooperation between Moscow and Gaborone.

The talks were described as productive, with both sides exchanging views on key issues across the bilateral agenda. Discussions focused on expanding collaboration in politics, trade, investment, and economic development, while placing special emphasis on healthcare, tourism, education, and training in civilian professions.

Lavrov and Butale reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening Russia-Botswana cooperation on the global stage, pledging closer coordination within the United Nations and other multilateral platforms.

This meeting underscores the growing momentum of Russia-Africa relations, as both nations seek to broaden their partnership in areas vital to sustainable growth and international diplomacy.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks at the plenary session of the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum

Minister Abdelatty,

Minister Antonio,

I am pleased to welcome all participants to the plenary session of the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum.

First, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our Egyptian friends for their efforts in creating comfortable conditions for our work. We greatly appreciate the excellent organisation of the forum and the warm hospitality extended to us.

Allow me the honour of conveying greetings from President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.

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Dear friends,

I extend my warm greetings to all participants at the opening of the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum.

It is symbolic that this event is being held in Egypt, the country that co-chaired the first Russia–Africa Summit.

African states possess immense economic and human potential and are playing an increasingly significant role in global politics. The continent is rapidly establishing itself as one of the key centres of the emerging multipolar world order.

The Russian Federation places great importance on developing friendly, fully equal, and mutually beneficial relations with African partners. It is noteworthy that mutually beneficial cooperation has seen significant intensification in multiple fields in recent times.

Our country provides support to African states in ensuring national security and addressing the food issue, in combating terrorism and extremism, in overcoming the consequences of natural disasters, and in countering dangerous epidemic diseases.

In the course of this ministerial conference, it will be essential to thoroughly review the progress in implementing the Action Plan of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum for 2023–2026, as well as to identify new, promising areas of joint work, primarily in the trade, economic, and investment spheres, where significant untapped potential exists.

I strongly believe that the discussions at the conference will be substantive and fruitful, enabling the preparation for the next Russia–Africa Summit to proceed with a solid set of concrete proposals and initiatives.

I wish you success and all the best.

Vladimir Putin’s message to the 2nd Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum

Colleagues,

The leaders of our countries attach great importance to today’s meeting and expect us to produce constructive decisions and coordinated proposals aimed at further expanding the multifaceted cooperation between Russia and Africa.

The format of our gathering is relatively new. The first ministerial meeting was held one year ago in Sochi. Today, we will summarise the results of our joint efforts and review the implementation of the agreements reached at the Russia–Africa summits in 2019 and 2023. Our key objective is to ensure the full and effective implementation of the Partnership Forum Action Plan for 2023–2026.

I believe we already have tangible achievements to present to the public in our countries. The Russia–Africa partnership is developing steadily across all areas. A substantive and trust-based political dialogue continues, including at the highest and high levels.

Trade and economic cooperation is gaining momentum. Last year, our trade grew by 13 percent, reaching $28 billion. I am confident that this figure does not reflect the full potential of our partnership. We remain committed to further unlocking and expanding the practical dimensions of our cooperation.

Cultural and humanitarian cooperation continues to expand. We place particular emphasis on the training of qualified professionals who serve as the driving force behind Africa’s economic and technological advancement and are essential to the sovereign development of the continent’s states.

The third Russia–Africa Summit is scheduled to take place next year. We believe it is important to approach this event with a solid record of concrete and practical results. In particular, we intend to submit to our leaders a draft new three-year action plan identifying promising areas for further partnership.

I am confident that today’s discussions will enable us to give thorough consideration to these and other key issues.

(C) TPA2025