Russia is developing good and constructive relations with African countries, they are not directed against third parties, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.
"Russia is developing good relations, constructive relations based on mutual respect, on mutual consideration, concern for each other's problems with all African countries. These relations are in no way directed and can't be directed against third countries," Peskov told reporters.
Moscow would not want the development of its relations with African states to become a cause for concern of third countries, the official noted.
The statement comes as earlier in the day, French President Emmanuel Macron claimed that Russia was playing a role "unfavorable for the international community," accusing Moscow of destabilizing Africa.
"Russia today plays a role that is unfavorable to the international community," Macron said in an interview with the Franceinfo radio station on the sidelines of the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact in Paris.
Macron accused Moscow of destabilizing the situation in African countries with "the help of a mercenary army."
At the same time, Macron noted that he would answer a phone call by Russian President Vladimir Putin, but he himself had no reason to call the Russian leader.
In February, Russian Ambassador to Central African Republic (CAR) Alexander Bikantov told Sputnik that the CAR armed forces had defeated most of the illegal armed groups in the country with the support of Russian military instructors, who trained the country's military and police, as well as held consultations in the fight against illegal armed groups.