Cairo meet gets a quirky twist: Congo’s Gakosso teases Lavrov, Russian FM replies ‘just starting. . . ’

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held a series of high-level bilateral meetings with African counterparts on the sidelines of the Russia–Africa ministerial forum in Egypt. Lavrov reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to implementing agreements from the Sochi and St Petersburg summits, highlighting cooperation in education, science, diplomacy and development. Ministers from Equatorial Guinea, the Republic of Congo and Burundi praised Russia as a long-standing partner, citing historical ties, support in international forums and educational exchanges. Discussions also touched on fertiliser supplies, leadership-level contacts and expanding strategic partnerships between Russia and African nations.