Equatorial Guinea could be used as a platform for the next Russia-Africa summit, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo said on Thursday.
"I asked my friend, President Vladimir Putin, to give Equatorial Guinea the opportunity to host the next Russia-Africa summit, if it can take place on the African continent," Obiang said at a joint press conference after a meeting with Putin.
Various conferences are held in the country and there is necessary infrastructure for organizing the forum, the president explained. Obiang also invited Putin to visit his country, noting that the country rejects the International Criminal Court treaty.
"Equatorial Guinea has not signed the treaty of the International Criminal Court (ICC), it rejects in every sense this document and the desire of countries to impose their will on others. Equatorial Guinea is a free, safe space and we will not tolerate interference from other states," Mbasogo remarked.
The ICC issued a warrant on Putin for alleged "forced deportation" of Ukrainian children. Russia has repeatedly rejected the accusations and stressed that the warrant has no legal power in Russia.
Obiang also said that Equatorial Guinea is waiting for Russian businessmen in the country.
"When Russia promises to send its businessmen to help Africa develop, we can only say: let them come. Equatorial Guinea accepts this offer with satisfaction," he said.
The leader further said that he considered Moscow's decision to reopen its embassy in Equatorial Guinea important.
Vladimir Putin, in turn, said that Russian companies are seriously interested in working in Africa, including Equatorial Guinea.
"There is serious interest of Russian companies in working in Africa in general and in your country. The potential investment opportunities are great," Putin said.
The opportunities of Equatorial Guinea in the development of such relations are good, there is potential, first of all, related to the extraction of minerals, the Russian president added.
Earlier in the day, Putin said that Russia and Equatorial Guinea have good prospects for cooperation, noting that this December will mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Obiang participated in both Russia-Africa summits (2019 and 2023) and earlier paid an official visit to Russia in 2011.