Sergey Lavrov: The African Union and the CSTO Will Establish Working Relations

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Russia and African states have recommended establishing working relations between the African Union and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). The statement was made following the second ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum. According to the minister, this position is reflected in the joint statement following the meeting.

"The joint statement also contains a general decision to strengthen cooperation in the fields of politics and security. In addition, it is recommended that working relations be established between the African Union and the CSTO for this purpose," Lavrov said.

He emphasized that Moscow and African states are interested in developing a systematic dialogue on security issues, conflict resolution, and countering new challenges and threats.

It is expected that the establishment of working relations between the African Union and the CSTO will allow for the coordination of approaches to crisis situations and the expansion of the exchange of experience in the peacekeeping and military-political spheres.