Insightful stories of the most pressing local, regional, and international developments brought to you by Sputnik.

Opening of House of Africa in Moscow to Revive Russian-African Relations, Equatoguinean Envoy Says

16:33, 23 April 2024

Muhammad Nooh Osman

Writer/Editor

The House of Africa, a center dedicated to strengthening diplomatic, business and cultural ties between Russia and African nations, was officially opened in Moscow last Thursday. The ceremony was attended by various African delegates, including Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Equatorial Guinea to Russia Luciano Ncogo Ndong Ayecaba.

Sputnik

The momentous opening of the House of Africa in Moscow marks a significant step in revitalizing the historical relationship between Russia and the African continent, Equatorial Guinean Ambassador to Russia Luciano Ncogo Ndong Ayecaba told Sputnik Africa on the sidelines of the opening ceremony.

"Today's event is one of the most important events to launch or revive the relations that already existed at the time of the former Soviet Union with Africa," the diplomat stated. "Africa was waiting for this moment because there has been a moment when relations have been like semi-frozen, but all of Africa is very happy to recover its great friend Russia."

Ambassador Ncogo Ndong expressed his nation's eagerness for the upcoming reopening of the Russian Embassy in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea's capital, anticipating it will accelerate collaboration across various sectors.

Last month, a Russian Foreign Ministry official revealed that the embassy in Malabo is de facto operational and will be officially opened in the coming weeks. According to the official, a temporary group of Russian diplomats has already arrived in the African country and the process of selecting premises for the embassy is underway.

Sub-Saharan Africa

Russian Embassy in Equatorial Guinea De Facto Starts Working, Will Open in Coming Weeks: Reports

27 March, 13:42

"I hope that the Russian Embassy will take advantage of this occasion [opportunity] to at least accelerate intergovernmental, cultural, and business relations," Ncogo Ndong said. "We are willing to provide business opportunities and all relations as a friendly country of the Russian Federation."

The ambassador affirmed Malabo's openness to a wide range of partnerships with Moscow, emphasizing key areas such as education, personnel training, agriculture, energy, and food security.

"We don’t have limits for our close friends," he declared, signifying the nation's commitment to exploring diverse avenues of cooperation.

The House of Africa in Moscow joins its counterpart in St. Petersburg, which was inaugurated last year during the second Russia-Africa Summit. Additional centers are planned for Grozny and Sochi, further solidifying Russia's dedication to nurturing its relations with Africa.