"Africans are playing an increasingly significant role in global politics and the economy and widely participate in addressing international issues," Lavrov stated.
"We are shifting significant resources away from the areas that once relied on the expectation that our Western colleagues would act responsibly and in accordance with international law," Lavrov remarked.
"This requires much attention and substantial resources on our part," Lavrov noted, adding that Russia's leadership fully supports these efforts.
"Of course, our trade and economic cooperation still underperforms relative to its potential," Lavrov admitted, emphasizing the need for new projects.
"This strategic error, now universally acknowledged, including at the state level," he stated.
"Africa is our natural ally," Lavrov concluded.