{"id":19005,"date":"2026-06-20T13:10:26","date_gmt":"2026-06-20T07:25:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eng.dragonmedia.com.np\/?p=19005"},"modified":"2026-06-20T13:10:26","modified_gmt":"2026-06-20T07:25:26","slug":"russia-and-madagascar-pledge-deeper-ties-lavrov-backs-greater-african-role-in-global-governance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eng.dragonmedia.com.np\/?p=19005","title":{"rendered":"Russia and Madagascar Pledge Deeper Ties, Lavrov Backs Greater African Role in Global Governance<\/strong>"},"content":{"rendered":"

Moscow \u2014 Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Malagasy Foreign Minister Alice N’Diaye addressed a joint press conference on June 19 following their bilateral talks in Moscow, reaffirming both nations’ commitment to expanding cooperation across multiple spheres and strengthening Africa’s voice in global governance.<\/p>\n

Lavrov described the talks as having been held in a “friendly and trust-based atmosphere” and noted the steady development of bilateral ties in line with agreements reached during the February meeting between President Vladimir Putin and President Michael Randrianirina in Moscow. That summit, he said, had reviewed the full spectrum of relations and set strategic goals spanning economic, military, military-technical, humanitarian, and educational cooperation.<\/p>\n

“We discussed these issues in detail today. We are also moving towards the goal of enhancing coordination in international and regional affairs, including on the complex problems and crises that persist on the African continent,” Lavrov stated.<\/p>\n

The two sides identified substantial prospects for expanding trade and economic cooperation, particularly in energy, transport, geological exploration, and the extraction and processing of mineral resources.<\/p>\n

On the multilateral front, Lavrov stressed the need to further democratise international relations based on the faithful implementation of all principles of the UN Charter “in their entirety and interconnection.” He also reaffirmed Russia’s principled position on the need to substantially enhance Africa’s role in global governance mechanisms, including the UN and its Security Council.<\/p>\n

On the Ukraine Conflict and Dialogue with Washington<\/strong><\/p>\n

Responding to media questions, Lavrov addressed the state of dialogue with the United States. He noted that while understandings had been reached during the Anchorage summit based on proposals presented by the American side, there is a sense that Washington’s approach may once again be shifting.<\/p>\n

“Now everyone is saying that the ‘spirit’ has faded. But the ‘spirit’ has nothing to do with the understandings. The understandings were clear,” Lavrov said.<\/p>\n

He welcomed the continuation of dialogue under President Donald Trump’s administration, particularly in contrast to what he characterised as European posturing. “We welcome the very fact of this dialogue, especially in contrast to the Europeans, who boast of some supposed principles… and say that one can only talk to Russia from a position of strength,” he remarked.<\/p>\n

Lavrov noted that despite earlier comments by Secretary of State Marco Rubio about Washington’s inability to mediate, President Trump has now stated his readiness to return to efforts aimed at facilitating a settlement of the Ukrainian crisis. “We are ready to engage. We remain committed to the settlement framework proposed to us by the American side at the Anchorage Summit,” he affirmed.<\/p>\n

On Iran-US Talks<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lavrov also extended Moscow’s well-wishes for negotiations between Iran and the United States, adding that Russia remains prepared to provide assistance if required. “Both our American colleagues and the Iranians know that we are ready, as always, to provide assistance if our services are required in reaching arrangements on enriched uranium stockpiles. Our proposals remain in force.”<\/p>\n

Historical Context<\/strong><\/p>\n

Touching on decolonisation, Lavrov recalled the Soviet Union’s historical role as the driving force behind the process, noting that the 1960 Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples was adopted on Moscow’s initiative.<\/p>\n

The third Russia\u2013Africa Summit, scheduled for this autumn, was also a key topic of discussion during the talks.<\/p>\n

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