Russia , Congo Deepen Military And Economic Ties

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has held talks with his Congolese counterpart Jean-Claude Gakosso  in the Congolese city of Oyo.

The two diplomats discussed further developing military-technical cooperation between Russia and the Republic of the Congo.

During the press conference, Lavrov stated that the two countries would continue their “intensive military and military-technical collaboration.” This builds on a 2019 agreement where Russia sent military specialists to the Congo to train and assist Congolese forces in operating and maintaining Russian-made military equipment.

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Congo’s arsenal includes Soviet- and Russian-made weapons such as armored vehicles, rocket artillery, and helicopters. Lavrov noted that Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso had confirmed the ongoing cooperation is in the interests of bolstering Congo’s defense capabilities.

Additionally, Lavrov emphasized that President Sassou Nguesso understands Russia’s actions in Ukraine and that the Congo maintains a “balanced” stance on the conflict. Gakosso stated that peace negotiations on Ukraine should only involve Russia and Ukraine as the “two main parties involved.”

The Congolese foreign minister also criticized countries supplying weapons to Ukraine, stating “those who send arms to Ukraine are not advocates of peace” and are “pushing us towards a worldwide conflict.”

Lavrov’s visit to the Congo is part of a broader African tour as Moscow seeks to strengthen its relationships on the continent. During his last trip to the Congo in July 2022, the two countries discussed expanding cooperation in energy, mining, and infrastructure development.

Source :Rt