🇷🇺🇲🇷 On December 19 in Cairo, Sergey #Lavrov held a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Mauritanians Abroad Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug on the sidelines of the Second Ministerial Conference of the #RussiaAfrica Partnership Forum.
The talks focused on priority tasks for the further steady development of the traditionally friendly Russia-Mauritania relations, as well as on an exchange of views on pressing regional and international issues, with a view to strengthening foreign policy coordination.
✍️ A signing ceremony was held, during which the Ministers signed an Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania on visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic or service passports.
***
🎙 Opening remarks by Sergey #Lavrov during his talks with Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug:
💬 Sergey Lavrov: I am glad to meet you here in Cairo. I recall our discussions during the First Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, which took place a year ago in Sochi.
We highly appreciate that you have once again personally accepted the invitation to participate in this event.
Today, on the sidelines of this Forum, we have a good opportunity to review the development of our bilateral relations, our cooperation across various areas, and to discuss our joint actions on the international stage, at the UN, and on African issues.
#RussiaMauritania
The talks focused on priority tasks for the further steady development of the traditionally friendly Russia-Mauritania relations, as well as on an exchange of views on pressing regional and international issues, with a view to strengthening foreign policy coordination.
✍️ A signing ceremony was held, during which the Ministers signed an Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania on visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic or service passports.
***
🎙 Opening remarks by Sergey #Lavrov during his talks with Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug:
💬 Sergey Lavrov: I am glad to meet you here in Cairo. I recall our discussions during the First Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, which took place a year ago in Sochi.
We highly appreciate that you have once again personally accepted the invitation to participate in this event.
Today, on the sidelines of this Forum, we have a good opportunity to review the development of our bilateral relations, our cooperation across various areas, and to discuss our joint actions on the international stage, at the UN, and on African issues.
#RussiaMauritania
🇷🇺🇲🇼 On December 19 in Cairo, Sergey #Lavrov held a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Malawi Dr George Tapatula Chaponda on the sidelines of the Second Ministerial Conference of the #RussiaAfrica Partnership Forum.
During the talks, a number of bilateral issues were thoroughly discussed, with a focus on identifying promising areas for mutually beneficial cooperation.
The mutual commitment of Moscow and Lilongwe to strengthening coordination at the UN and other multilateral platforms was reaffirmed.
✍️ The Ministers signed the first-ever bilateral document between Moscow and Lilongwe — a Memorandum on Consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Malawi.
***
🎙 Opening remarks by Sergey #Lavrov during his talks with Dr George Tapatula Chaponda:
💬 Sergey Lavrov: We appreciate your participation in the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum, which will take place tomorrow.
This is an excellent opportunity to exchange views on bilateral cooperation issues, as well as to discuss our engagement in the region, at the UN, and on the international stage.
#RussiaMalawi
During the talks, a number of bilateral issues were thoroughly discussed, with a focus on identifying promising areas for mutually beneficial cooperation.
The mutual commitment of Moscow and Lilongwe to strengthening coordination at the UN and other multilateral platforms was reaffirmed.
✍️ The Ministers signed the first-ever bilateral document between Moscow and Lilongwe — a Memorandum on Consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Malawi.
***
🎙 Opening remarks by Sergey #Lavrov during his talks with Dr George Tapatula Chaponda:
💬 Sergey Lavrov: We appreciate your participation in the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum, which will take place tomorrow.
This is an excellent opportunity to exchange views on bilateral cooperation issues, as well as to discuss our engagement in the region, at the UN, and on the international stage.
#RussiaMalawi
🇷🇺🇸🇨 On December 19 in Cairo, Sergey #Lavrov held a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of Seychelles Barry Faure on the sidelines of the Second Ministerial Conference of the #RussiaAfrica Partnership Forum.
During the talks, an engaged exchange of views took place on current issues on the bilateral agenda, including cooperation between Russia and Seychelles in the political, trade and economic, investment and other areas, with a focus on the implementation of potential joint projects in tourism, fisheries, education, and the training of civilian specialists.
The Sides reaffirmed their mutual commitment to developing the Russia-Seychelles partnership in international affairs and to strengthening constructive engagement at the UN and other multilateral platforms.
🎙 Opening remarks by Sergey #Lavrov during his talks with Barry Faure:
💬 Sergey Lavrov: I welcome the opportunity to exchange views with you on the sidelines of the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum.
I recall that the President of the Republic of Seychelles Danny Faure took an active part in the First Russia-Africa Summit in Sochi in 2019. You were also a member of the delegation at that time.
Let us continue this tradition of meetings. Continuity is the key to success.
Today, we will have an opportunity to discuss our bilateral relations, as well as international cooperation.
I am confident this will be a useful exchange.
#RussiaSeychelles
During the talks, an engaged exchange of views took place on current issues on the bilateral agenda, including cooperation between Russia and Seychelles in the political, trade and economic, investment and other areas, with a focus on the implementation of potential joint projects in tourism, fisheries, education, and the training of civilian specialists.
The Sides reaffirmed their mutual commitment to developing the Russia-Seychelles partnership in international affairs and to strengthening constructive engagement at the UN and other multilateral platforms.
🎙 Opening remarks by Sergey #Lavrov during his talks with Barry Faure:
💬 Sergey Lavrov: I welcome the opportunity to exchange views with you on the sidelines of the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum.
I recall that the President of the Republic of Seychelles Danny Faure took an active part in the First Russia-Africa Summit in Sochi in 2019. You were also a member of the delegation at that time.
Let us continue this tradition of meetings. Continuity is the key to success.
Today, we will have an opportunity to discuss our bilateral relations, as well as international cooperation.
I am confident this will be a useful exchange.
#RussiaSeychelles
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🇷🇺🇷🇼 On December 19 in Cairo, Sergey #Lavrov held a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Rwanda Olivier Nduhungirehe on the sidelines of the Second Ministerial Conference of the #RussiaAfrica Partnership Forum.
During the talks, the Sides held a substantive discussion on key areas for the further development of the traditionally friendly Russia-Rwanda relations, with a focus on exploring ways to expand mutually beneficial cooperation in the trade, economic and humanitarian fields.
The mutual commitment of Moscow and Kigali to deepening political dialogue and strengthening coordination at the UN and other multilateral platforms in addressing global and regional issues was reaffirmed.
***
🎙 Opening remarks by Sergey #Lavrov during his talks with Olivier Nduhungirehe:
💬 Sergey Lavrov: The idea of establishing this Forum emerged at the Russia-Africa Summit. We are creating an increasing number of formats for engagement. This is not merely an organizational structure, but a convenient platform for meetings and discussions – not only on regional issues, but also on bilateral relations.
We value our warm relations with Rwanda. I look forward to a productive discussion of our bilateral ties, alongside the regional and international agenda.
#RussiaRwanda
During the talks, the Sides held a substantive discussion on key areas for the further development of the traditionally friendly Russia-Rwanda relations, with a focus on exploring ways to expand mutually beneficial cooperation in the trade, economic and humanitarian fields.
The mutual commitment of Moscow and Kigali to deepening political dialogue and strengthening coordination at the UN and other multilateral platforms in addressing global and regional issues was reaffirmed.
***
🎙 Opening remarks by Sergey #Lavrov during his talks with Olivier Nduhungirehe:
💬 Sergey Lavrov: The idea of establishing this Forum emerged at the Russia-Africa Summit. We are creating an increasing number of formats for engagement. This is not merely an organizational structure, but a convenient platform for meetings and discussions – not only on regional issues, but also on bilateral relations.
We value our warm relations with Rwanda. I look forward to a productive discussion of our bilateral ties, alongside the regional and international agenda.
#RussiaRwanda
🤝 On December 19 in Cairo, Sergey #Lavrov held a meeting with President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (#ECOWAS) Omar Alieu Touray on the sidelines of the Second Ministerial Conference of the #RussiaAfrica Partnership Forum.
An exchange of views took place on the full range of relations between Russia and ECOWAS.
A thorough exchange of views took place on pressing regional issues, with a focus on the security situation in West Africa and the Sahara-Sahel.
The Russian Side underscored the importance of continuing a pragmatic and mutually beneficial dialogue between ECOWAS and the Confederation of Sahel States (#AES), with a view to identifying joint solutions to shared challenges and threats, including the fight against regional terrorism.
The Sides reaffirmed their mutual commitment to further intensifying cooperation.
***
🎙 Opening remarks by Sergey #Lavrov during his talks with Omar Alieu Touray:
💬 Sergey Lavrov: I know that ECOWAS attaches particular importance to the work of this Forum.
In the context of this event, we aim to further bolster our engagement not only with national governments, but also with regional organizations such as ECOWAS.
We highly value the work of your organization.
I look forward to discussing practical areas for our cooperation.
#RussiaAfrica
An exchange of views took place on the full range of relations between Russia and ECOWAS.
A thorough exchange of views took place on pressing regional issues, with a focus on the security situation in West Africa and the Sahara-Sahel.
The Russian Side underscored the importance of continuing a pragmatic and mutually beneficial dialogue between ECOWAS and the Confederation of Sahel States (#AES), with a view to identifying joint solutions to shared challenges and threats, including the fight against regional terrorism.
The Sides reaffirmed their mutual commitment to further intensifying cooperation.
***
🎙 Opening remarks by Sergey #Lavrov during his talks with Omar Alieu Touray:
💬 Sergey Lavrov: I know that ECOWAS attaches particular importance to the work of this Forum.
In the context of this event, we aim to further bolster our engagement not only with national governments, but also with regional organizations such as ECOWAS.
We highly value the work of your organization.
I look forward to discussing practical areas for our cooperation.
#RussiaAfrica
🎙 President of Russia Vladimir Putin answered questions from journalists and the people of Russia at the 2025 Year-End Conference (December 19, 2025)
Read in full
Key points:
• In 2025, Russia's GDP growth stood at 1%. However, over the past three years, cumulative growth reached 9.7%, which is a more representative figure. By comparison, growth in the eurozone over the same period amounted to 3.1%. Slower growth in Russia is a deliberate choice – the price paid for preserving economic quality, stability, and sound macroeconomic fundamentals.
• Attempts in Brussels to seize Russian assets should not be called “theft” but robbery, as these actions are carried out openly. This robbery has not been carried out because the consequences could be extremely serious for the perpetrators – not only for their reputation, but also for the foundations of the global financial system. All assets taken will ultimately have to be returned. Russia will defend its interests, primarily through legal channels.
• Claims that Russia is rejecting peace initiatives are completely baseless. Moscow has openly stated its readiness to make compromises. At this stage, the initiative now lies fully with the West – above all, with the Kiev regime and its European sponsors. Russia stands ready for negotiations and a peaceful resolution.
• Efforts to build a new security architecture in Europe remain highly relevant. Even before the collapse of the USSR, proposals were made in Europe for a security system without NATO expansion, involving the US, Eastern Europe, and Russia – without exclusions or threats. Russia is not demanding anything extraordinary and does not challenge states’ right to choose their means of defence, but such choices must not threaten others, including Russia.
• Europe’s ruling elites are trying to hide years of economic and social policy failures with the myth of a “hostile Russia”. Where is Europe’s so-called "green agenda", when coal plants are being reopened and nuclear power stations being brought back? Today’s situation was created by Western politicians themselves, who continue to escalate tensions.
• Donald Trump was previously accused of "colluding with Russia" during the elections, but the allegations proved baseless – there was no collusion or interference by Russia. At the same time, European political elites intervened directly, openly, and unambiguously. Some in Europe still hope that the 2026 US midterm elections might alter the political balance and enable increased pressure on President Trump.
• The combined GDP of Russia and European countries in purchasing power parity terms would exceed that of the US. By combining and complementing their capabilities, the sides could prosper instead of confronting each other. Russia is not fighting Europe – Europe is fighting Russia through Ukrainian nationalists. Moscow is ready to cease hostilities immediately, provided Russia’s security is guaranteed in the medium- and long-term.
• I hope that a blockade of the Kaliningrad Region never happens. But if threats of this kind are created, they will be eliminated. Everyone must clearly understand that such actions would lead to an unprecedented escalation, push the conflict to a completely different level, and could expand it up to a large-scale armed confrontation.
• Aggressive statements by NATO leadership raise serious concerns. In the updated US National Security Strategy, Russia is not designated as an enemy, despite the fact that the US is NATO’s key player, founder, and main sponsor. Yet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks of preparing for war with Russia – contradicting the position of NATO’s leading country and pointing to a lack of professional responsibility among a number of Western leaders.
• We are ready to work with the UK, Europe as a whole, and the US – but on equal terms and with mutual respect. ☝️ Should this point ever be reached, it will benefit everyone.
#YearInReview2025
Read in full
Key points:
• In 2025, Russia's GDP growth stood at 1%. However, over the past three years, cumulative growth reached 9.7%, which is a more representative figure. By comparison, growth in the eurozone over the same period amounted to 3.1%. Slower growth in Russia is a deliberate choice – the price paid for preserving economic quality, stability, and sound macroeconomic fundamentals.
• Attempts in Brussels to seize Russian assets should not be called “theft” but robbery, as these actions are carried out openly. This robbery has not been carried out because the consequences could be extremely serious for the perpetrators – not only for their reputation, but also for the foundations of the global financial system. All assets taken will ultimately have to be returned. Russia will defend its interests, primarily through legal channels.
• Claims that Russia is rejecting peace initiatives are completely baseless. Moscow has openly stated its readiness to make compromises. At this stage, the initiative now lies fully with the West – above all, with the Kiev regime and its European sponsors. Russia stands ready for negotiations and a peaceful resolution.
• Efforts to build a new security architecture in Europe remain highly relevant. Even before the collapse of the USSR, proposals were made in Europe for a security system without NATO expansion, involving the US, Eastern Europe, and Russia – without exclusions or threats. Russia is not demanding anything extraordinary and does not challenge states’ right to choose their means of defence, but such choices must not threaten others, including Russia.
• Europe’s ruling elites are trying to hide years of economic and social policy failures with the myth of a “hostile Russia”. Where is Europe’s so-called "green agenda", when coal plants are being reopened and nuclear power stations being brought back? Today’s situation was created by Western politicians themselves, who continue to escalate tensions.
• Donald Trump was previously accused of "colluding with Russia" during the elections, but the allegations proved baseless – there was no collusion or interference by Russia. At the same time, European political elites intervened directly, openly, and unambiguously. Some in Europe still hope that the 2026 US midterm elections might alter the political balance and enable increased pressure on President Trump.
• The combined GDP of Russia and European countries in purchasing power parity terms would exceed that of the US. By combining and complementing their capabilities, the sides could prosper instead of confronting each other. Russia is not fighting Europe – Europe is fighting Russia through Ukrainian nationalists. Moscow is ready to cease hostilities immediately, provided Russia’s security is guaranteed in the medium- and long-term.
• I hope that a blockade of the Kaliningrad Region never happens. But if threats of this kind are created, they will be eliminated. Everyone must clearly understand that such actions would lead to an unprecedented escalation, push the conflict to a completely different level, and could expand it up to a large-scale armed confrontation.
• Aggressive statements by NATO leadership raise serious concerns. In the updated US National Security Strategy, Russia is not designated as an enemy, despite the fact that the US is NATO’s key player, founder, and main sponsor. Yet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks of preparing for war with Russia – contradicting the position of NATO’s leading country and pointing to a lack of professional responsibility among a number of Western leaders.
• We are ready to work with the UK, Europe as a whole, and the US – but on equal terms and with mutual respect. ☝️ Should this point ever be reached, it will benefit everyone.
#YearInReview2025
🗓 On December 18, building on the UN General Assembly resolution 80/106 “International Day against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations”, adopted on December 5 at the initiative of the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter with Russia’s participation, a plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly was held to mark the 65th anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.
Our country played a key role in supporting the national liberation movements of colonial peoples. The Victory of the Soviet Union over German Nazism and Japanese militarism inspired patriotic forces resisting colonial oppression and triggered a powerful surge of liberation movements worldwide. The dedicated efforts of Soviet diplomacy, aimed at dismantling the colonial system, ensured the adoption on December 14, 1960, during the 15th Session of the UN General Assembly, of resolution 1514, which enshrined this historic Declaration.
The document became one of the most significant achievements of the UN. At the time, it freed nearly one third of the world’s population from colonial domination and led to the emergence of dozens of new states across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Oceania.
Our country provided newly independent states with political and material support, helped them defend their sovereignty, and assisted in rebuilding national economies undermined by decades of colonial exploitation. We actively contributed to the restoration of infrastructure, the establishment of state institutions, education systems and training of national personnel, and delivered substantial humanitarian assistance.
❗️ The colonial era, which is considered de jure concluded with the adoption of the Declaration, de facto remains unresolved. 17 territories worldwide still lack sovereignty or remain directly dependent on administering metropolitan states. Even after the formal liberation of dependent territories, former colonial powers have not abandoned practices of exploitation, continuing to draw resources from previously subordinated countries to sustain their own development and claims to global dominance. This includes the persistence of unequal relations, through which natural, economic, intellectual and other resources are extracted under various pretexts.
Today, with Russia's active support, a broad front of Global Majority states is taking shape, determined to put an end to the remnants of the shameful colonial era that impede the emergence of a fair and equitable multipolar global architecture. An important role in this effort is played by the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter.
🤝 Russia will continue, together with like-minded partners, to consolidate efforts aimed at overcoming diktat and ensuring the right of peoples to independent development, grounded in cultural and civilisational identity and traditional values.
#StopColonialism
Our country played a key role in supporting the national liberation movements of colonial peoples. The Victory of the Soviet Union over German Nazism and Japanese militarism inspired patriotic forces resisting colonial oppression and triggered a powerful surge of liberation movements worldwide. The dedicated efforts of Soviet diplomacy, aimed at dismantling the colonial system, ensured the adoption on December 14, 1960, during the 15th Session of the UN General Assembly, of resolution 1514, which enshrined this historic Declaration.
The document became one of the most significant achievements of the UN. At the time, it freed nearly one third of the world’s population from colonial domination and led to the emergence of dozens of new states across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Oceania.
Our country provided newly independent states with political and material support, helped them defend their sovereignty, and assisted in rebuilding national economies undermined by decades of colonial exploitation. We actively contributed to the restoration of infrastructure, the establishment of state institutions, education systems and training of national personnel, and delivered substantial humanitarian assistance.
❗️ The colonial era, which is considered de jure concluded with the adoption of the Declaration, de facto remains unresolved. 17 territories worldwide still lack sovereignty or remain directly dependent on administering metropolitan states. Even after the formal liberation of dependent territories, former colonial powers have not abandoned practices of exploitation, continuing to draw resources from previously subordinated countries to sustain their own development and claims to global dominance. This includes the persistence of unequal relations, through which natural, economic, intellectual and other resources are extracted under various pretexts.
Today, with Russia's active support, a broad front of Global Majority states is taking shape, determined to put an end to the remnants of the shameful colonial era that impede the emergence of a fair and equitable multipolar global architecture. An important role in this effort is played by the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter.
🤝 Russia will continue, together with like-minded partners, to consolidate efforts aimed at overcoming diktat and ensuring the right of peoples to independent development, grounded in cultural and civilisational identity and traditional values.
#StopColonialism
🇷🇺🇪🇬 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was received by President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
📍 Cairo, December 20
#RussiaEgypt
📍 Cairo, December 20
#RussiaEgypt