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São Tomé and Príncipe Minister Says Cooperation With Russia Not Affected by Western Sanctions
São Tomé and Príncipe Minister Says Cooperation With Russia Not Affected by Western Sanctions
Sputnik Africa
On Wednesday, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2024) kicked off in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, bringing together high-level... 06.06.2024, Sputnik Africa
2024-06-06T13:32+0200
2024-06-06T13:32+0200
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Disney Leite Ramos, Minister of Economy of São Tomé and Príncipe, expressed optimism about deepening cooperation with Russia, highlighting their longstanding partnership dating back to before the island nation's independence.While acknowledging the current Western sanctions imposed on Russia, Ramos emphasized that the relationship with Russia is primarily focused on military training and maritime security, which he believes is not directly impacted by the sanctions.It's worth noting that an agreement on military cooperation between the governments of Russia and the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe was signed in St. Petersburg on April 24 and began to be implemented on May 5.Beyond the military, Ramos expressed interest in expanding cooperation in the agricultural sector.He also mentioned tourism as a potential area for growth, with São Tomé and Príncipe eager to welcome Russian tourists to enjoy its beautiful beaches and weather. However, Ramos acknowledged the challenges posed by sanctions on Russian payment cards, suggesting alternative options like Bitcoin, cash, or the use of UnionPay.
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São Tomé and Príncipe Minister Says Cooperation With Russia Not Affected by Western Sanctions
13:32 06.06.2024 (Updated: 12:12 07.06.2024) Muhammad Nooh Osman
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On Wednesday, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2024) kicked off in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, bringing together high-level Russian and foreign government officials, including heads of state, as well as business representatives from around the world.
Disney Leite Ramos, Minister of Economy of São Tomé and Príncipe, expressed optimism about
deepening cooperation with Russia, highlighting their longstanding partnership dating back to before the island nation's independence.
“Russia and São Tomé and Príncipe have been partners for a long, long time. Since before we took independence, we have collaborated in many areas, especially in the military,” Ramos stated during an interview with Sputnik Africa on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2024).
While acknowledging the current Western sanctions imposed on Russia, Ramos emphasized that the relationship with Russia is primarily focused on military training and maritime security, which he believes is not directly impacted by the sanctions.
“Well, I don't see a weapon as a military cooperation,” Ramos explained. “Russian military go there to give some training for our military and also, as we are islanding, look at the strategic area in Africa, they help us to control the zone. So this kind of security marine ocean, in this case, is mainly of that. So about the sanctions, I think it doesn't affect much. We are very, very normal about this cooperation. I think there is no issue about this.”
It's worth noting that an agreement on military cooperation between the governments of Russia and the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe was signed in St. Petersburg on April 24 and began to be implemented on May 5.
Beyond the military, Ramos expressed interest in expanding cooperation in the agricultural sector.
“Actually, this is what we are looking forward to collaborating, especially in agriculture, seeds, rice, also other products as well,” Ramos stated. “Russians have very good technology, and it could be useful for people from São Tomé and Príncipe to share this experience.”
He also mentioned tourism as a potential area for growth, with São Tomé and Príncipe eager to welcome Russian tourists to enjoy its beautiful beaches and weather. However, Ramos acknowledged the challenges posed by sanctions on Russian payment cards, suggesting alternative options like Bitcoin, cash, or the use of UnionPay.
