Anatoly Bashkin, Director of the Africa Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that economic issues will be the main focus of the Russia-Africa forum, aiming to boost lagging trade and investment ties despite strong political and security relations.
The situation in Mali has stabilized, with most Africa Corps strongholds under Russian military control, according to Anatoly Bashkin of the Russian Foreign Ministry. Russian units are also supporting Malian forces in logistics and supply operations.
Russia plans to open new embassies in the Comoros, Gambia, Liberia, and Togo, with practical implementation underway for the Comoros and Gambia, and ongoing work for Liberia and Togo. Ambassadors have been appointed or are close to appointment for several of these nations.
