FM Lavrov : Media conference with FM of Burkina Faso, Karamoko Traore

On July 8, the second ministerial consultations between the Russian Federation and the Confederation of Sahel States (CSS) took place in Niamey, co-chaired by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean Marie Traore.

The Ministers held in-depth discussions on strengthening the #RussiaCSS dialogue mechanism, including deepening political ties and expanding cooperation in the areas of security, trade, the economy, humanitarian affairs, and other fields.

They also conducted a candid exchange of views on the situation in the Sahel-Sahara region.

The consultations reaffirmed the Parties’ aligned positions on most of the issues discussed. The Ministers agreed to enhance coordination within the United Nations and other multilateral forums.

Particular attention was devoted to broadening multifaceted cooperation in preparation for the third #RussiaAfrica Summit, scheduled to take place in Moscow in the autumn of 2026.

Following the meeting, the parties signed a Memorandum on Consultations between the Foreign Ministries of Russia and the Confederation of Sahel States and adopted a Plan of Interministerial Consultations for 2026–2027.

❗️ The priority areas for future cooperation are set out in the Joint Statement signed by the Parties.

🎙 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s answers to media questions during a joint news conference with Foreign Minister of Burkina Faso Karamoko Traore following the second Russia-Confederation of Sahel States (CSS) ministerial meeting (Niamey, July 8, 2026)

❓ Question: What mechanisms does your country offer to the Confederation of Sahel States (CSS) for a balanced and mutually beneficial partnership between the states?

💬 Sergey Lavrov: We specifically focused on this matter today and discussed our results to date as well as future objectives.

Just an hour ago, President of the Republic of the Niger Abdourahamane Tchiani received us. We told him about our works, and what agreements have been formalised today. A joint statement has been adopted. <…> A memorandum has been adopted that establishes a regime of regular consultations between the foreign ministries. The first specific plan of such consultations for the next two years is attached to the memorandum. <…> This will create a regularity in our contacts and proper monitoring of the implementation of our common agreements.

Among the main ideas supported today is extending our cooperation in the three plus one format to other areas besides foreign policy – primarily the economy and finance, including cooperation between central banks. We discussed the establishment of interparliamentary cooperation that should serve our common interests. <…>

We discussed how we are going to use our cooperation mechanisms within the United Nations, including cooperation within the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter. <…>

The topic of counter-terrorism was, obviously, among our priorities today.

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❗️ We are interested in this format setting an example to other countries that wish to be guided by their own national interests rather than by somebody’s wishes or requests as they seek equal, mutually beneficial agreements in international cooperation.

I think we are on the right track.

❓ Question (retranslated): What is Russia’s view of the geopolitical changes in West Africa?

💬 Sergey Lavrov: Geopolitics is evolving everywhere in the world and Africa is one of the most notable examples.

Having gained political independence, African countries started to feel that they are still dependent on former metropoles economically and financially. Today I would call this process Africa’s second awakening, as the continent not only wants to be politically independent but it also wants to have international legal standing and to be able to manage its natural resources <…>.

🇷🇺 Russia is ready to provide active assistance. Since the Soviet Union, we have been largely involved in establishing state-owned industrial capacities and other sectors of the economy to ensure that our African friends can build the foundation for their independent economic development. <…>

The scope of work is extensive. We are ready for it.