Guinea Seeks Stronger Relations With Russia in Multiple Spheres, Ambassador Says
10:07 10.07.2023 (Updated: 13:44 10.07.2023)
© AFP 2023 MLADEN ANTONOV
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Guinea and Russia have a longstanding history of diplomatic relations, dating back to the era of the Soviet Union. Since Guinea gained independence from France, Russia has played a crucial role in supporting the West African country through various avenues of collaboration.
The current state of relations between Conakry and Moscow is the topic of discussion between the two sides as Guinea seeks to expand its economic and energy sectors, Guinean Ambassador to Moscow Niankoye Haba told Sputnik.
He expressed optimism about the development of cooperation between the two nations and emphasized efforts to invigorate their partnership.
Highlighting the historic support received from Russia, Ambassador Haba reflected on the crucial role played by the USSR during the West African country's struggle for independence and emphasized the longstanding cooperation between the two nations. He also emphasized efforts to diversify and expand the scope of their interaction.
"Cooperation between Russia and Guinea is developing, and we are trying to give it a new impetus [...] Our interaction in these times is becoming more diverse," the diplomat said. "We have strong relations; we are trying to expand them."
One of the key areas of cooperation mentioned by Niankoye Haba is education and vocational training. He noted that Russia provides 150 scholarships annually to Guinean students to study in the country. In addition, more than 400 officers from the Guinean Army have been trained in Russian military institutions, further strengthening ties between the two nations.
Regarding military cooperation, Ambassador Haba noted that most of Guinea's military equipment was of Soviet or Russian origin, but many machines had become obsolete. Discussions were underway to explore how Russia could assist in the operation of these machines.
The ambassador mentioned visits by Russian experts to assess the condition of existing MiG aircraft and the possibility of restoring their functionality.
"Recently we were shown a factory that is modernizing similar machines that are already obsolete. Besides, there are still some MiG aircraft in Guinea. We have discussed the possibility of restoring their functionality, and Russian experts have also come to Guinea to study the condition of the machines," the Guinean envoy said.
According to the diplomat, discussions on possible cooperation between Guinea and Russian companies in the hydropower and agricultural sectors have also been highlighted during recent interactions between Conakry and Moscow.
"We would like to interest Russian companies in investing in different sectors in Guinea, including energy," Niankoye Haba said. “We will continue to develop this cooperation until we get the Russian side interested in investing in electrification and agriculture in Guinea.”
Ambassador Haba mentioned that Guinea’s deputy minister of energy had recently met with representatives from RusHydro to explore how the Russian hydroelectricity company could assist in electrifying the country. He emphasized the importance of energy development, stating that "development requires energy, and for that, we have to conduct electrification."
The Guinean diplomat referenced a planned video conference with RusHydro to discuss potential collaboration in building dams and small hydropower plants in the West African country.
When asked about potential cooperation with Rosatom, the Ambassador confirmed that Guinea has expressed interest in collaborating with the nuclear energy corporation. However, he stated that the Guinean side sees potential in this area and is currently in the information-gathering stage.
"The electricity consumed by the population of Guinea is more than 90% subsidized by the budget, which is why our country needs cheaper energy," the ambassador explained.
Addressing concerns about potential revisions to foreign license agreements after the change of power in Guinea in 2021, the ambassador reassured that there were no intentions to revoke licenses of companies genuinely engaged in their respective fields.
"Before the new authorities came in, there was some turmoil in the country's mining industry. There were companies in Guinea that were licensed to work in one area, but in fact worked in another," he noted. "The country's authorities asked them to abide by agreements and contractual terms, but there was and is no witch hunt. Companies that were operating normally had nothing to worry about then or now."
Regarding the Russian company RUSAL, which had raised concerns about potential difficulties with the new authorities, Ambassador Haba stated that RUSAL was actively expanding and investing in various sectors, including mining. While minor difficulties may arise, both parties were committed to finding solutions and maintaining a fruitful partnership.
The interview also addressed the issue of unrest at a Guinean mine operated by the Russian firm Nordgold in March, which had led to the involvement of the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Ambassador Haba explained that a conflict arose within the company's trade union during the election of its leader. The situation was resolved with the support of the Guinean authorities, ensuring the safety of the mine workers. Ambassador Haba confirmed that there were no ongoing difficulties in Nordgold's operations.
On the subject of trade, Niankoye Haba highlighted several products that Guinea could offer to the Russian market, in particular agricultural products such as coffee, cocoa, pineapple, exotic tropical fruits like papaya and cassava, and cashew nuts. Furthermore, there was an expressed interest in purchasing Kamaz trucks from Russia.
"We are interested in buying Kamaz trucks, but it all depends on the price – it has to be acceptable," he said.
When asked about the impact of the conflict in Ukraine on Guinea's purchases of Russian grain, the ambassador acknowledged that the conflict has had wide-ranging effects, not only in Guinea, but globally.
In terms of Guinea's participation in the upcoming Russia-Africa Summit, the diplomat confirmed that Guinea will indeed participate and is currently in the preparation stage. The Guinean delegation may be led by the foreign minister.
Regarding the transition of power in Guinea in 2021, Ambassador Haba reassured that the transition is progressing smoothly and without any significant difficulties.
"So far, the transition is going very well, and there are no difficulties that could hinder the implementation of the program that has been established. Elections are also scheduled for 2025," he stated.
