MOSCOW, Feb 19 (Bernama-TASS) -- Russia plans to establish embassies in seven African nations over the next two years, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced.
"Three new embassies have already been opened in Africa, and seven more will be established in the next two years. This process is structured and will continue steadily," Lavrov told the State Duma, the lower house of parliament, according to TASS news agency.
By 2026, Russia intends to open embassies in Gambia, Liberia, the Comoros, Niger, Sierra Leone, Togo and South Sudan, he confirmed.
"Seven new embassies is a significant step," he said, adding that Russia is also making internal adjustments to reduce reliance on budgetary assistance.
Lavrov also revealed that the Russian Foreign Ministry has set up a second African department to strengthen partnerships across the continent.
The newly established Department for Partnership with Africa will operate alongside the Department of the Middle East, North Africa, and the renamed Department of Sub-Saharan Africa.
In 2023, Russia opened embassies in Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea.
The government has also issued orders to reopen its diplomatic missions in Niger and Sierra Leone and to establish a new embassy in South Sudan.
-- BERNAMA-TASS
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