Relations between Russia and Guinea-Bissau are based on the traditions of equality, inter-parliamentary and inter-ministerial contacts are maintained at a good level, the Russian President Vladimir Putin during talks with Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo.
"Relations between our countries are based on a long tradition of friendship, principles of equality and mutual respect," Putin said at the start of the meeting.
The president also suggested his counterpart from Guinea-Bissau considering steps to develop cooperation between the countries.
"Today we have an opportunity to discuss the implementation of bilateral agreements in various areas, to consider further steps to develop cooperation," Putin said at the meeting in the Kremlin.
The Russian president added that his Guinea-Bissau counterpart pays great attention to developing contacts with Russia, who arrived in Moscow on Victory Day, "a special day for Russia, for the entire former Soviet Union."
In addition, Putin noted the close proximity of the two countries in addressing issues on the global agenda, as well as in the formation of a multipolar world order.
"Russia and Guinea-Bissau are in solidarity in their approaches to solving many pressing issues on the global agenda, we speak from close positions as far as the formation of a multipolar world order and security are concerned," he pointed out.
The leader also noted that Russia had once made a certain contribution to supporting Guinea-Bissau's struggle for independence.
"We have just talked about this with you in private. It [Russia] helped to establish the statehood of Bissau, contributed to the development of the economic, scientific and technical potential of your country," the Russian president added.
Putin mentioned that last year the countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
Putin also said that Russia is working on the organization of the first ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Forum to be held in November in Sochi and expects the participation of the foreign minister of Guinea-Bissau.
For his part, Guinea-Bissau President Embalo expressed hope that Putin will one day make a tour of African countries, including a visit to Guinea-Bissau.
Russia will always be able to count on Guinea-Bissau as a partner, this relationship between the countries will never change, the head of the West African state added.
"We have been good allies and we expect to remain so. You can count on Guinea-Bissau as a steadfast partner, that will never change," the president said.