Africa will never forget the USSR and Russia because the country was and is today a faithful friend of the continent, Luciano Ncogo Ndong Ayecaba, ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea to Russia, told Sputnik.
According to the ambassador, the Soviet Union (as well as Russia), was "the most important friend of the African continent and helped to liberate Africa."
"The USSR helped from the military point of view to fight colonialism, it also helped us to access education, because without education man cannot be free."
Although after the disintegration of the USSR Russia temporarily forgot about Africa as Moscow had to concentrate on internal issues, the continent "will never forget Russia and the USSR because we know that it is our faithful friend," the diplomat said.
He welcomed Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's Africa tour in this regard, because in Africa, the Russian minister is like "at home with a friend."
In early June, the minister paid a visit to four African nations: Kenya, Burundi, Mozambique, and South Africa. In Cape Town, South Africa, he participated in a meeting of the BRICS group’s foreign ministers (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa).
This institution was warmly welcomed by Mr. Nkogo Ndong Ayecaba, as he believes that it offers an alternative to many countries, especially African ones.
"You always have to have a choice in this world. When the Lord created us, he gave us two hands and two feet. It's up to you to choose which foot to start from. In the same way, the BRICS is an alternative. When you don't have a choice, it's like in prison. That is why I think the BRICS offer a good opportunity for some countries."
The diplomat also mentioned the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum scheduled for June and the second Russia–Africa Summit in July, both events being important forums for Africa.
"The one in July is more important for us because both humanitarian and political issues will be addressed during its work. I am convinced that an important delegation from our country will participate in this Russia–Africa Summit," said the Equatoguinean ambassador.
A set of aims and objectives for the advancement of cooperation between Russia and Africa in the domains of politics, security, economy, science, technology, culture, and the humanitarian sector were outlined during the first such Russia-Africa Summit, which took place in Sochi in 2019.
According to the ambassador, security will be at the heart of the forthcoming discussions in July.
"Before, people thought that security only had a military aspect. But it also concerns energy, food, health. It will be important to talk about this during the summit, because these are key issues," the diplomat concluded.