Русский
Russia and the Central African Republic (CAR) have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations, in a telephone conversation held between Russian President Vladimir Putin and CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadera on Wednesday (January 28).
Touadera was re-elected as CAR President in December, obtaining a large democratic majority. During the discussion, the leaders reaffirmed “their mutual commitment to the further development of friendly bilateral ties.” The two leaders discussed cooperation in political, trade, economic, and humanitarian areas.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said Moscow “reaffirms its commitment to further strengthening relations between the two countries and continuing close coordination on the international stage.” It added that Russia anticipates the CAR’s further advancement toward steady political and socioeconomic development. Touadera expressed gratitude to Russia for grain and fuel supplies, and for supporting the lifting of an embargo on diamond exports.
Diplomatic ties between Russia and the CAR were first established in 1992 following the African state’s independence from France in 1960. Relations developed further in later years, including military and political cooperation. The CAR maintains an embassy in Moscow, while Russia operates its diplomatic mission in Bangui. In recent years, the two countries have expanded cooperation in political dialogue, security, and the economy.
During the meeting, Putin noted that trade turnover between the two countries increased nearly eightfold, which would put the bilateral 2025 Russia-CAR trade figure at about US$30 million.
Russia established a Russia House in Bangui last year, and has begun exports of poultry as well as providing animal husbandry assistance to help improve food stock health. The partnership is centered on security, with Russia being a major supplier of arms and security personnel to the CAR. Russia primarily exports machinery, vehicles, food, and fuel to the CAR, while imports include an increasing diamond finishing trade, in addition to imports of various raw materials.
