“Russia and São Tomé and Príncipe have been partners for a long, long time. Since before we took independence, we have collaborated in many areas, especially in the military,” Ramos stated during an interview with Sputnik Africa on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2024).
“Well, I don't see a weapon as a military cooperation,” Ramos explained. “Russian military go there to give some training for our military and also, as we are islanding, look at the strategic area in Africa, they help us to control the zone. So this kind of security marine ocean, in this case, is mainly of that. So about the sanctions, I think it doesn't affect much. We are very, very normal about this cooperation. I think there is no issue about this.”
“Actually, this is what we are looking forward to collaborating, especially in agriculture, seeds, rice, also other products as well,” Ramos stated. “Russians have very good technology, and it could be useful for people from São Tomé and Príncipe to share this experience.”