Joint projects to strengthen Russia-Congo ties – deputy PM (VIDEO)

Alexander Novak has arrived in the African nation for the inauguration ceremony of President Denis Sassou Nguesso

The implementation of joint projects between Moscow and Brazzaville is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has said. 

During his working visit to the Republic of the Congo, the minister stated that Russia places high priority on developing comprehensive relations with the African country.  

“We [Russia] are confident that the implementation of joint projects and the expansion of cooperation in various fields will help deepen the partnership between our countries at all levels and bring tangible benefits to the peoples of both states,” Novak noted. 

Novak arrived in Congo (Brazzaville) on Thursday as the head of a Russian delegation and took part in the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Denis Sassou Nguesso. As part of the trip, the minister visited the Russian House in the capital and paid tribute at a monument to Yuri Gagarin, where he laid flowers.  

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“This memorial has become a symbol of strengthening friendship between the Russian people and the people of the Republic of Congo,” the Russian government said in a statement. 

At the same time, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Georgy Borisenko and Congolese Foreign Minister Jean-Claude Gakosso discussed preparations for the third Russia–Africa Summit, which is planned for this year in Moscow.  

In addition, the ministers raised the topic of expanding trade and economic cooperation, with a focus on projects in the fields of energy, infrastructure, healthcare, and personnel training. 

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, discussions were held in line with agreements reached during talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso in Moscow in May and in Beijing in September. 

READ MORE: Congo a ‘time-tested partner’ – Putin (VIDEO)

Nguesso was sworn in on April 16 for his eighth presidential term. The 82-year-old leader won the March election with 94.8% of the vote among seven candidates. Sassou Nguesso first came to power in 1979.