Russia plans to ensure maximum representation in Africa, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Sputnik on Saturday.
"At a time when Russia's attention to Africa is steadily growing, Putin has set the task of increasing the diplomatic presence on the continent, which implies opening new facilities or increasing the staff in existing Russian foreign institutions," she said, commenting on Moscow's plans regarding diplomatic presence on the continent.
The official stated that the "process is underway, the plans are to ensure the maximum representation of Russia in Africa," adding that the details of "where and when our embassies will work, as soon as appropriate agreements are reached and final decisions are made."
In addition, the spokeswoman noted that Russia is ready to provide any assistance to African friends in establishing the work of their diplomatic missions in the country.
"Russia, as the country's leadership has repeatedly stressed in its numerous speeches, is open to dialogue with all foreign partners who are committed to equal, constructive, mutually beneficial cooperation," Zakharova said.
The spokeswoman also told Sputnik that Russia's diplomatic missions in Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea are due to open in 2023.
"We are starting to discuss technical issues with our partners. The opening of Russian diplomatic missions should take place before the end of this year," Zakharova revealed.
On July 28, at the plenary session of the summit, Putin announced the resumption of the embassy's activities in Equatorial Guinea and Burkina Faso after a 30-year break and on July 31, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed the relevant orders.
In 1992, the Embassy of Russia in Ouagadougou was closed for financial reasons. As for Equatorial Guinea, in the absence of an embassy in the country, Russia is represented by the embassy in neighboring Cameroon.