Russian President Vladimir Putin met with President Denis Sassou-Nguesso of the Republic of Congo in Moscow to discuss various matters [aa28a341]. They talked about the potential for cooperation in the energy, processing industry, and agriculture sectors [aa28a341]. President Sassou-Nguesso requested Russia's support in bringing peace to central Africa [aa28a341]. The two leaders signed documents on cooperation in nuclear energy, mass communications, debt settlement, military cooperation, and oil pipeline construction [aa28a341]. Russian companies such as LUKOIL and Rosatom are already operating in the Republic of Congo [aa28a341]. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached $38.4 million in 2023 [aa28a341]. The Republic of Congo is rich in untapped mineral wealth and is the fourth-largest oil producer in the Gulf of Guinea [aa28a341]. However, nearly 80% of the population lives in poverty [aa28a341]. Experts suggest implementing existing cooperation agreements and creating a wider platform for collaboration and cooperation [aa28a341].
Russian President Vladimir Putin also met with President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea in Moscow to discuss various matters [4c46d380]. They talked about reopening the Russian embassy in Malabo and cooperating on security issues in the Gulf of Guinea [4c46d380]. They also explored the possibility of hosting the next Russia-Africa summit in Equatorial Guinea [4c46d380]. Bilateral trade between Equatorial Guinea and Russia is currently small, but there are significant prospects for trade with the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) [4c46d380]. Russia aims to develop links with ECCAS and other trade blocs [4c46d380]. Additionally, the Niger government expressed its desire to strengthen ties with Russia despite economic sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) [ded3d3eb]. The military coup in July 2023 led to the overthrow of Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum and the rise of General Abdourahamane Tchiani to power [ded3d3eb]. Russia has taken advantage of this situation to enhance cooperation with Niger, particularly in the security domain [ded3d3eb]. The Nigerien Prime Minister, Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, stated that the cooperation between the two countries has existed for decades and it is time to take it to another level [ded3d3eb]. The Nigerien government is seeking alternatives to mitigate the effects of economic sanctions and boost its economy [ded3d3eb].
In a separate development, Equatorial Guinea Vice President, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, visited Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe [892b2b57]. Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Barbara Rwodzi welcomed him at the airport [892b2b57]. Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea have cordial relations and signed socio-economic development deals [892b2b57]. Other world leaders and celebrities, such as Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and chef Carla Hall, have also visited Victoria Falls [892b2b57]. The Zimbabwean government aims to grow the tourism industry to US$5 billion by 2025 and is encouraging both foreign and local visits to tourist attractions [892b2b57].