Russia Plans Maritime Cooperation With Sao Tome & Principe On The West African Coast

Russia is set to gain access to a key strategic naval port in the West African Atlantic Ocean through a bilateral cooperation agreement with the island nation of Sao Tome and Principe, located off mainland Nigeria, Cameroon and Gabon.

A bill on the issue has been approved by a Russian government commission on legislative activity.

Alexey Chepa, of the Duma’s Committee on International Affairs, stated that ratifying the agreement will allow Russian ships to be stationed in the Gulf of Guinea. “Today, a large number of ports where our ships could come in for refueling are closed. Therefore, opportunities to find friendly ports significantly facilitate the activities of the Russian fleet.” Chepa said about the proposals.

Under the agreement between Russia and Sao Tome and Principe, which was initially signed in St. Petersburg in April, the two sides will exchange assistance in naval education, cooperate in providing engineering support, combat piracy and terrorism, and provide logistical support. Cooperation is also expected to include Naval joint exercises and other activities between the two countries’ armed forces. The draft document says the agreement will last for an indefinite period.

Sao Tome & Principe also provides shipping registry services, while its main port is relatively well developed and can handle all types of vessels.

Russia is currently involved in the Great African Expedition maritime research project, analysing fisheries potential. In addition, it has been making diplomatic and trade inroads into the West Africa region. Cameroon and Nigeria for example have both expressed interest in joining BRICS.