Chairperson received H.E. Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia

The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, received H.E. Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, and his delegation for the annual AU-#Russia High-Level Consultations at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa.

The consultations reaffirmed the growing Africa-Russia partnership, anchored in mutual respect, sovereign equality & shared interests.

Discussions between the two principals focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, technology, food security, public health & industrialisation, in support of Agenda 2063 and the AfCFTA.

The Chairperson welcomed Russia's growing investments across Africa, as well as its continued support in areas including humanitarian assistance, health, education, food security and capacity-building.

They also exchanged views on peace & security, African-led solutions to conflicts, implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2719, UN Security Council reform in line with the Ezulwini Consensus, & strengthening multilateral cooperation.
Minister Lavrov reaffirmed Russia's support for a more representative & equitable UN Security Council, including permanent African representation.

He commended Africa's economic progress & echoed the Chairperson's call for greater value addition to Africa's agricultural products & mineral resources. He also reaffirmed Russia's support for strengthening the AU's institutional architecture, including the African Humanitarian Agency & the African Medicines Agency.

The Chairperson and Minister Lavrov reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the AU-Russia strategic partnership and to the successful preparations for the 3rd Russia-Africa Summit in October this year.