Bujumbura, Burundi – (African Boulevard News) – Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Burundi on Monday, marking the first visit by a Russian top diplomat to the East African nation since the country’s independence in 1962. The visit was seen as a step towards strengthening diplomatic ties between the two countries, particularly in trade and security.
Burundi’s Foreign Minister, Albert Shingiro, welcomed Lavrov and expressed his appreciation for his visit. The Russian minister’s visit comes after Burundi abstained from voting on a UN General Assembly resolution calling on Russia to withdraw its forces from Ukraine in February.
During the visit, Lavrov met with Burundi’s President, Evariste Ndayishimiye, and held talks on a range of issues, including cooperation in the fight against terrorism, infrastructure development, and trade. The two sides also discussed the possibility of establishing a joint commission to boost economic cooperation and explore investment opportunities.
In a joint statement released after their meeting, Lavrov and Ndayishimiye expressed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in various fields, including energy, mining, and agriculture. The statement also emphasized the need to promote people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
The visit by Lavrov was significant as it marked Russia’s effort to deepen its engagement in the African continent. Russia has been seeking to increase its influence in Africa, both politically and economically, in recent years. The country has been pursuing closer ties with African nations, particularly those with significant mineral resources.
The visit by Lavrov was seen as a boost for Burundi’s efforts to attract foreign investment and increase economic growth. The two sides discussed the possibility of establishing a joint commission to boost economic cooperation and explore investment opportunities.
The visit by Lavrov was widely covered by local media, with many highlighting the significance of the visit in strengthening diplomatic ties between the two countries. The visit was seen as a major step towards increasing bilateral cooperation and promoting economic growth in Burundi.
In summary, the visit by Lavrov to Burundi was significant in strengthening diplomatic ties between the two countries. The visit was seen as a step towards increasing bilateral cooperation and promoting economic growth in Burundi. The joint statement released after the meeting between Lavrov and Ndayishimiye emphasized the need to promote people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges between the two countries. The visit was widely covered by local media, with many highlighting the significance of the visit in boosting Burundi’s efforts to attract foreign investment and increase economic growth.
