Russia hosts African ministers to expand relations.

(CLO) Russia opened the first Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum in Sochi on Saturday, aiming to strengthen relations with African nations and dispel the notion that it is isolated by Western sanctions.

The conference was held to build upon the foundations of the Russia-Africa summit held last summer, where Russian President Vladimir Putin met with African leaders and proposed expanding political and trade relations.

Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos (left) and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Photo: AP

This two-day ministerial conference was attended by government and business leaders from Russia and African nations. Anton Kobyakov, an advisor to President Putin, said the event would be held regularly in a similar format.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told state news agency RIA Novosti that the conference had “shattered hopes” of Russia’s isolation. She said dozens of bilateral meetings took place between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and African representatives, and praised the “multipolarity” demonstrated by the event.

Cao Phong (according to RIA, AP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/nga-tiep-don-cac-bo-truong-chau-phi-de-mo-rong-quan-he-post320836.html