https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250403/russia-aes-meeting-core-messages-1071447310.html
Russia-AES Meeting: Core Messages
Russia-AES Meeting: Core Messages
Sputnik Africa
The top diplomats from West Africa arrived in Moscow on Thursday for a two-day trip at the invitation of Lavrov to participate in the first round of AES-Russia... 03.04.2025, Sputnik Africa
2025-04-03T13:29+0200
2025-04-03T13:29+0200
2025-04-03T13:46+0200
russia-africa cooperation
sergey lavrov
russia
africa
alliance of sahel states (aes)
sub-saharan africa
kiev
mali
niger
burkina faso
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov described the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) as evidence of “Africa's second awakening.” He added that Russia views the bloc's creation as an effort to establish a new security architecture in the region.Meanwhile, Lavrov accused Kiev of trying to destabilize the continent by openly supporting terrorists in the Sahel region. Sharing this view, Mali's Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop stated that this is why his country considers Ukraine a terrorist state.He affirmed Russia's commitment to providing comprehensive assistance to the AES in areas of defense, security, and economic development. Lavrov also highlighted the historic moment of the AES flag being displayed outside the Sahel for the first time.Furthermore, Lavrov announced that Russia-AES meetings will now be held annually, alternating between Russia and Africa.AES and Linguistic IndependenceIn response to a question from Sputnik Africa, Mali's top diplomat stated that the AES has "no problem" concerning its linguistic future and noted that the bloc intends to promote its national languages.Previously, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso had successively distanced themselves from the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF). Mali's foreign minister elaborated on the key reasons behind this decision:He added, however, that AES member states have long spoken French and will continue to use it.Aside from that, Diop announced AES plans to establish a joint bank, a unified radio network, and a television network to address information warfare.Russia-Sahel Trade Sees Tenfold GrowthTrade between Russia and the AES has increased more than tenfold over the past year, though there is still room for further growth, according to Lavrov. The Russian FM also acknowledged that despite this surge, the overall trade figures remain modest and do not yet reflect the full potential of cooperation.Russia’s Commitment to Supporting the SahelLavrov emphasized that Russia continues to supply the Sahel nations with essential agricultural products, fertilizers, energy resources, and other critical goods, recognizing the importance of these supplies for the region’s socio-economic development.Sahel Nations to Establish Joint Armed ForcesMali, Niger, and Burkina Faso plan to create a unified armed force to combat terrorist groups in the region, according to Diop. He stated that while progress has been made in countering terrorism, the formation of a joint Sahelian confederation force remains a priority. Lavrov confirmed that Russia is prepared to support the establishment of these joint forces.Sahel Alliance Seeks Stronger Ties With BRICSThe Alliance of Sahel States seeks to strengthen its relationship with BRICS, seeing the bloc as a crucial partner in fostering a multipolar world, Diop noted. He also emphasized that Russia, a member of BRICS, was the first country to recognize the Alliance of Sahel States by hosting this ministerial meeting.Russia and Sahel Oppose Politicization of Human RightsRussia and the Sahel nations jointly oppose the Western politicization of human rights, Lavrov stated. He reaffirmed their commitment to the UN Charter’s principles of equality and non-discrimination, criticizing Western nations for using human rights issues as a political tool within international institutions.Niger to Establish Russian Embassy in Anticipation of Strengthened Diplomatic TiesNiger has decided to open a Russian embassy in the country and expects this to happen soon, according to the Republic's Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangare. Niger eagerly awaits Russia's nomination of an ambassador, which is expected to occur shortly, he added.
https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250220/russia-supports-aes-by-sending-military-specialists-equipment-foreign-ministry-says-1070734897.html
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russia-africa cooperation, sergey lavrov, russia, africa, alliance of sahel states (aes), kiev, mali, niger, burkina faso, west africa, terrorism, sputnik africa, language, economy, security, defense, francophonie
russia-africa cooperation, sergey lavrov, russia, africa, alliance of sahel states (aes), kiev, mali, niger, burkina faso, west africa, terrorism, sputnik africa, language, economy, security, defense, francophonie
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov described the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) as evidence of “Africa's second awakening.” He added that Russia views the bloc's creation as an effort to establish a new security architecture in the region.
Meanwhile, Lavrov accused Kiev of trying to destabilize the continent by openly supporting terrorists in the Sahel region. Sharing this view, Mali's Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop stated that this is why his country considers Ukraine a terrorist state.
He affirmed Russia's commitment to providing comprehensive assistance to the AES in areas of defense, security, and economic development. Lavrov also highlighted the historic moment of the AES flag being displayed outside the Sahel for the first time.
Furthermore, Lavrov announced that Russia-AES meetings will now be held annually, alternating between Russia and Africa.
AES and Linguistic Independence
In response to a question from Sputnik Africa, Mali's top diplomat stated that the AES has "no problem" concerning its linguistic future and noted that the bloc intends to promote its national languages.
Previously, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso had successively distanced themselves from the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF). Mali's foreign minister elaborated on the key reasons behind this decision:
"The OIF no longer operates in the interests we desire. We aim to promote our national languages to enhance our autonomy," Diop explained.
He added, however, that AES member states have long spoken French and will continue to use it.
Aside from that, Diop announced AES plans to establish a joint bank, a unified radio network, and a television network to address information warfare.
Russia-Sahel Trade Sees Tenfold Growth
Trade between Russia and the AES has increased more than tenfold over the past year, though there is still room for further growth, according to Lavrov. The Russian FM also acknowledged that despite this surge, the overall trade figures remain modest and do not yet reflect the full potential of cooperation.
Russia’s Commitment to Supporting the Sahel
Lavrov emphasized that Russia continues to supply the Sahel nations with essential agricultural products, fertilizers, energy resources, and other critical goods, recognizing the importance of these supplies for the region’s socio-economic development.
Sahel Nations to Establish Joint Armed Forces
Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso plan to create a unified armed force to combat terrorist groups in the region, according to Diop. He stated that while progress has been made in countering terrorism, the formation of a joint Sahelian confederation force remains a priority. Lavrov confirmed that Russia is prepared to support the establishment of these joint forces.
Sahel Alliance Seeks Stronger Ties With BRICS
The Alliance of Sahel States seeks to strengthen its relationship with BRICS, seeing the bloc as a crucial partner in fostering a multipolar world, Diop noted. He also emphasized that Russia, a member of BRICS, was the first country to recognize the Alliance of Sahel States by hosting this ministerial meeting.
Russia and Sahel Oppose Politicization of Human Rights
Russia and the Sahel nations jointly oppose the Western politicization of human rights, Lavrov stated. He reaffirmed their commitment to the UN Charter’s principles of equality and non-discrimination, criticizing Western nations for using human rights issues as a political tool within international institutions.
Niger to Establish Russian Embassy in Anticipation of Strengthened Diplomatic Ties
Niger has decided to open a Russian embassy in the country and expects this to happen soon, according to the Republic's Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangare. Niger eagerly awaits Russia's nomination of an ambassador, which is expected to occur shortly, he added.
