Maria Zakharova: "Africa is one of the key priorities of Russian foreign policy"

Africa remains one of the key priorities of Russian foreign policy, and Russia builds relations with African countries on the principles of equality, sovereignty and mutual benefit. On 27 October, at the Russia–Africa Media Forum held at the National Centre RUSSIA, Maria Zakharova, Official Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, spoke to African journalists about the fundamental principles of Russia's foreign policy doctrine, which aims to establish a multipolar world and overcome socio-economic inequality. In particular, she quoted Russia's 2023 Foreign Policy Concept, which explicitly states the country's commitment to "further establishing Africa as a distinctive and influential centre of world development" — that is, as one of the poles of the future multipolar world.

Maria Zakharova emphasised that Russia intends to deepen its engagement with the African Union, above all, by means of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum; to expand trade and investment partnerships with African countries and regional integration organisations; and to develop humanitarian ties through scientific cooperation, healthcare, intercultural dialogue, the protection of traditional values and the right to freedom of religion.  

Photo: Sergei Khakimov, Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

"Africa is one of the key priorities of Russian foreign policy. We regard African countries as independent and equal partners with whom we share longstanding traditions of friendship and cooperation. These relations have a solid foundation: the Soviet Union, of which Russia is the successor state, supported the African continent in industry, energy and education. With the participation of Soviet specialists, around 30 major energy facilities, three oil refineries, 29 machine-building and metalworking enterprises, 40 agricultural enterprises and around 100 educational institutions were built across Africa. Today, more than 40,000 students from African countries are studying in Russia. Graduates of Russian universities become heads of state and government, ministers, scientists and public figures in a wide range of fields. We continue to provide assistance and support, guided by a very important principle — sovereign equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit," said Maria Zakharova.

Photo: Sergei Khakimov, Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

The official representative of the Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova stressed that Moscow maintains diplomatic relations with all 54 countries on the African continent and is consistently expanding its diplomatic presence there. She explained that three new diplomatic missions had opened since 2022, in South Sudan, The Gambia and the Union of the Comoros. Five other missions had resumed operations in Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Niger, Sierra Leone and Togo. Russia also plans to open its 49th embassy on the continent, in the Republic of Liberia.

Alongside its diplomatic presence, Russia is steadily developing trade and economic cooperation with African countries. According to Maria Zakharova, bilateral trade exceeded US$27 billion in 2025. Egypt and Algeria remain Russia's largest trading partners in Africa, while economic ties are also growing actively with Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia, Nigeria and other countries.  

Photo: Sergei Khakimov, Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

Maria Zakharova also noted that ensuring food security remained a key priority. In 2025, Russia supplied more than 18 million tonnes of grain to African countries, followed by a further 13 million tonnes in the first nine months of 2026. Supplies of mineral fertilisers are also increasing: they totalled 1.5 million tonnes last year and have already exceeded 2.2 million tonnes this year.

"At present, 22 bilateral intergovernmental commissions operate between Russia and African countries. These are a very important instrument because they provide the highest level for resolving issues. They bring together ministers and deputy prime ministers, making it possible to address matters immediately, literally on the spot, or issue direct instructions to ensure they are resolved as quickly as possible. We also cooperate with African countries on global affairs, primarily through international organisations, as well as through African international institutions and association. Among these organisations are the United Nations, the African Union and BRICS. Most importantly, there are no limits to our international cooperation," she added.

Photo: Sergei Khakimov, Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

Speaking about the development of tourism, Maria Zakharova said that Russia had been paying increased attention to the sector. This work has been progressing at an accelerated pace across all regions. Russia, she continued, is ready to welcome foreign tourists without numerical restrictions and offers a wide range of holidays, from seaside resorts to medical and gastronomic tourism. Special internet portals have been created for international visitors. At the same time, according to Maria Zakharova, Russian tourists love Africa and know the continent well. As new routes are gradually introduced, she called on African countries to share information about them so that Russian consumers could learn about the opportunities available.

Responding to a question from Franklin Nyamsi, a professor and Chairman of the African Institute of Freedoms in Bamako, Mali, about the philosophy underpinning relations between Russia and African countries, Maria Zakharova stressed that decades of cooperation had been built on shared principles, including equality, equality before the law and international law, and the preservation of and mutual respect for one another's traditions.  

Photo: Sergei Khakimov, Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

"I want to thank the peoples of Africa for not betraying Russia. Thank you for that. We know the pressure African countries have faced — how they have been blackmailed and, at times, threatened, while being offered certain bonuses at the same time. They were told: 'Stop cooperating with Russia, vote against Moscow in international organisations, and you will receive loans, food and political support.' It is difficult to resist such offers, especially when African peoples are facing challenges in healthcare and education and need food, money and loans. Everyone asked themselves: 'Perhaps we really should accept this offer? We can somehow come to an arrangement with Russia later.' I have seen how, during these years, the African continent stood tall and spoke out with genuine sovereignty, with that very inner pride and dignity that form part of its ancestors' legacy. It told everyone who tried to force Africa to betray Russia: 'We do not betray our friends.' That is worth a great deal," the Russian Foreign Ministry's official representative emphasised.

Photo: Sergei Khakimov, Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

The meeting between African journalists and public figures and Maria Zakharova, Official Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, took place at the National Centre RUSSIA as part of the Russia–Africa Media Forum. The programme on Tuesday, 27 October, also included a presentation of the autonomous non-profit organisation "Russia–Africa". In the afternoon, RT will host a session with African celebrities and bloggers with millions of followers entitled "Land of Opportunity: How African Stars Are Shaping Continental Identity", as well as a session with television channel chief editors and media regulators. To conclude the second day of the Media Forum, Natalia Virtuozova, Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, will speak about the venue's core mission and the unique project to construct its new building, introduce international journalists to the Centre's original projects and share plans for its future development.

The International Press Centre for the Eighth Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) and the Third Russia–Africa Summit also continues to operate at the National Centre RUSSIA.

Watch the recording of the meeting on the National Centre RUSSIA website, in the "Livestreams and videos" section.