Sanctions on Sputnik Impose Various Dictates, Congolese Minister States

The recent sanctions on Russian media, including Sputnik, involve various forms of control, Denis Christel Sassou Nguesso told Sputnik Africa.

“The principle of freedom of expression, in my opinion, remains a key principle, of course, but one that is respected according to the vision of certain countries and a certain number of obligations,” the minister said. “I think we need to look at this in the light of what is done in each country, according to the regulations of each country.”

Continuing the interview, Sassou Nguesso elaborated on Congo’s interaction with Russia in the energy and agricultural sectors. He noted that an intergovernmental agreement signed for the Pointe-Noire-Lutete-Maloukou Trechot pipeline project during the 7th Congo-Russia Joint Commission will end Congo's logistical issues.

"This project will already help to put an end to the logistical difficulties that we encounter in Congo in the supply chain for finished products, [because] today, this creates many difficulties for motorists and all service professions that use fuel in the exercise of their activities," he said.

In addition, thanks to the project, the republic will acquire "modern management mechanisms" in logistics and will create both direct and indirect jobs.

Overall, Sassou Nguesso described the project as "beneficial for both countries."

Speaking of other joint projects with Russia, Congo plans to build micro-hydroelectric dams with the support of Rosatom, as stated by the minister. A memorandum of understanding has been signed with the Russian energy giant, and the project is currently under study.

"This matter was discussed during the last visit of His Excellency President Denis Sassou-Nguesso here in Moscow in June, and is currently being studied to see what possibilities this project could offer. The vice president of Rosatom also visited Brazzaville to further look into the project. So, we can say that in the energy sector, this project is being examined, and we're confident that we'll be able to see it through to a successful conclusion," he said.

Moreover, the republic is enthusiastic about collaborating with Russian companies in the agricultural industry, Sassou Nguesso continued.

Agriculture is the most important pillar of the five-year development plan launched by Congo, he noted, as it will enable the country to reduce its dependence on food.

"If we can benefit from our cooperation with the Russian Federation to develop an agricultural project together, why not? […] We are absolutely open […]," the minister stressed.

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Concluding the interview, the minister also touched on the topic of BRICS. In his opinion, the bloc proposes totally different approaches than those seen for 60 years.

Furthermore, joining BRICS can lead to a multiplication of partnerships, he said.

"There's a lot of enthusiasm today for joining this new group. Perhaps because it will offer states different mechanisms, or approaches, that are totally different from what we've been used to seeing over the past 50 or 60 years," he assessed.

Countries will evaluate the various initiatives that will be proposed and will make their decisions in due time, the minister added.

Moreover, described the BRICS initiative to create an independent payment platform, proposed last week by Russian President Vladimir Putin, as to “be examined and considered.”

Sassou Nguesso, however, recalled that, at present, all foreign trade is conducted using the US dollar.

"So, if there are any initiatives, they will of course be examined and considered. And I think that the countries, depending on their respective interests, will determine whether they should follow this path or whether they should continue with, shall we say, the original paths," he stated.