Cairo, Egypt – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov delivered a keynote address on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the plenary session of the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, underscoring the critical role of peace and security in Africa's sustainable development and global stability. Hosted in the Egyptian capital for the first time on African soil, the two-day event (December 19-20) brought together foreign ministers from over 50 African nations, representatives of regional integration organizations, and Russian officials to review progress on existing agreements and chart future cooperation ahead of the third Russia-Africa Summit in 2026.
In his remarks, Lavrov stated: "We attach great importance to the issues of strengthening peace and security on the African continent. This is a key condition for ensuring progressive, sustainable socioeconomic development and an important element in maintaining global stability." He highlighted Russia's ongoing support, including assistance in demining operations, clearing improvised explosive devices, and expanding training programs for African military and law enforcement personnel.
Lavrov called for transforming into practice the decision from the 2023 Russia-Africa Summit to establish a permanent high-level dialogue mechanism for coordinating security efforts. He stressed that lasting conflict resolution in Africa demands addressing root causes, which he attributed to the "legacy of Western colonialism." The colonial era, he argued, disrupted Africa's natural historical development by arbitrarily drawing borders and creating economic systems designed to serve Western interests.
"Unfortunately, various forms of neocolonialism persist to this day," Lavrov continued. "We are ready to act in concert with our African partners to eradicate them, including through the development of legal instruments for assessing and compensating for the damage inflicted during the colonial period." This stance aligns with Russia's broader advocacy at the United Nations for combating modern neocolonial practices, including support for recent resolutions on eradicating colonialism.
The minister described the current era as Africa's "second awakening," marked by the continent's growing international authority and consolidation of sovereignty. He praised initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting its potential to create a continent-wide market with a combined GDP exceeding $3 trillion.
On the economic front, Lavrov reported positive momentum: "Last year, trade turnover increased by 13%, reaching $28 billion. I am confident that this is far from the limit. We are committed to further unlocking the vast potential of our practical cooperation." The conference focused on trade, investment, energy, education, and infrastructure, with participants unanimously adopting a joint statement reinforcing political and security ties.
The event was co-chaired by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Lavrov, and Angolan Foreign Minister Tete Antonio (representing the African Union chair). Lavrov also conveyed a message from Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasizing equal and mutually beneficial relations. On the sidelines, Lavrov held bilateral meetings with counterparts from countries including Algeria, Gambia, Congo, Tanzania, and others, discussing expanded cooperation.
The Cairo conference marks a milestone in the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, established in 2019, following summits in Sochi (2019) and St. Petersburg (2023), and the first ministerial meeting in Sochi (2024). It aims to implement the 2023-2026 Action Plan while preparing a new strategic roadmap for 2026-2029.
Observers note Russia's deepening engagement with Africa amid shifting global dynamics, including counterterrorism support in the Sahel and infrastructure projects. The forum's outcomes are expected to bolster multilateral ties, with emphasis on African-led solutions and independence from external pressures.
