Russia, Ghana Emphasise Broader Cooperation as Lavrov Highlights Security and Africa Partnership
Dragon Media News Desk
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa have held talks in Moscow focusing on the expansion of bilateral economic, security, military and multilateral cooperation.
Speaking at a joint press conference on Monday, Lavrov said relations between Russia and Ghana continue to develop on what he described as a strong foundation of historical friendship, solidarity and mutual support.
The two sides discussed preparations for the fifth meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, which is expected to be held in Moscow before the end of this year. The dates are to be agreed in the near future.
According to Lavrov, military and military-technical cooperation is also showing positive momentum. He said Ghana is expected to complete the ratification of an intergovernmental agreement on military-technical cooperation in the near future, which he said would provide additional momentum to cooperation in the sector.
The talks also focused on security in Africa, particularly counterterrorism efforts across the Sahara-Sahel region. Lavrov said Russia remains ready to provide African countries with necessary security assistance.
He described the Third Russia-Africa Summit, scheduled to be held in Moscow in late October, as an important milestone in strengthening Russia’s strategic partnership with the African Union. Lavrov also said Ghanaian President John Mahama had confirmed his participation in the summit.
Responding to questions about the presence of the Russian Defence Ministry’s Africa Corps on the continent, Lavrov said its units operate on the basis of formal requests from the legitimate governments of African countries. He said their primary tasks include assisting those governments in countering terrorist attacks.
Lavrov also accused France of maintaining direct links with illegal armed groups in parts of Africa, alleging that Paris provides them with weapons, financing and guidance. He claimed such activities were aimed particularly at creating difficulties for countries in the Sahel that have chosen to distance themselves from their former colonial powers. The remarks represented Russia’s position, and no French response to those specific allegations was presented during the press conference.
The Russian foreign minister also addressed tensions with Japan, saying Tokyo had no grounds to object to visits by the Russian president to territory that Moscow regards as part of the Russian Federation.
Lavrov referred to provisions of the United Nations Charter linked to the legacy of the Second World War and argued that attempts by Japan to reinterpret international law in line with its own interests or those of the United States would be a matter of concern.
He further accused Japan of seeking to avoid historical responsibility and said Tokyo should focus on its own domestic and regional issues rather than directing accusations at Russia.
The Russia-Ghana talks were primarily centred on strengthening bilateral relations, activating economic cooperation mechanisms, expanding security ties and deepening engagement with Africa through the forthcoming Russia-Africa Summit.
