Русский
The Russian President, Vladimir Putin has met Denis Sassou Nguesso, the President of the Republic of the Congo, along with a significant Russian delegation that also included Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office, Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov, Minister of Energy Sergei Tsivilev, Director of the Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation Dmitry Shugayev, Head of the Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare Anna Popova, Director General of State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom Alexei Likhachev, and Rosoboronexport Director General Alexander Mikheyev.
This is what Putin had to say:
“Our meeting today is tied to celebrating Victory in the Great Patriotic War Day. I am aware that in 1940–1943, the anti-fascist movement Free France was based in your present-day capital Brazzaville. It was headed by a man whom we remember, know, and treat him and his memory with great respect. The leader of that movement was future President of France Charles de Gaulle. He created the Free France movement headquartered in Brazzaville. I know that the Congolese people actively supported these activities.
Your participation in the May 9 events confirms the genuine friendly nature of bilateral ties based on law and mutual respect. Last year, we marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries.
Mr President, we appreciate your focus on our relations. You have visited our country many times back in the days of the Soviet Union, and more recently as well.
Our mutual trade remains stable. It may be modest overall, but we are constantly working to achieve the results that we have in mind. Congolese national staff has been successfully trained in Russia for a long time now, with about 750 Congolese students currently studying at our universities and about 250 state scholarships are allocated annually. We are ready to expand this quota.
Russia and the Republic of the Congo stand in solidarity in their approaches to addressing many pressing international issues. We appreciate our joint work at the United Nations.
I would like to emphasise that strengthening ties with Africa is on the list of Russia’s foreign policy systemic priorities. The St Petersburg summit resulted in adopting an extensive package of joint documents, including a comprehensive declaration and an action plan to 2026. Work is in progress to put them into practice.
Today, we have the opportunity to discuss all these issues, including the bilateral agenda.”
Upgrading Ties
At the end of 2023, an intergovernmental agreement was signed on the use of funds received in repayment of the debt of the Republic of the Congo to the Russian Federation for the purpose of financing development projects in the territory of the Republic of the Congo. At the end of 2024, the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation reported on negotiations to sign an investment protection agreement with the Congo, which provides additional financial and investment security and a legal framework for investment in each other’s countries.
The Russian company Zakneftegazstroy-Prometey is participating in the construction of the Pointe-Noire-Loutete-Maluco-Trescho pipeline, which will bring energy from Congo’s offshore oil fields to the country’s capital. This will energise the Congolese economy and also have a positive impact on Congo’s ability to export oil.
In July 2024, the countries signed memoranda on co-operation in the field of peaceful atom and hydropower.
Russia and Congo co-operate in information technology and communications. Russian technologies for e-government, smart and safe cities, information security products, solutions for telecom operators and radio control may also interest Congo.
Last November, Russia and the Republic of Congo signed a memorandum of cooperation in the field of naval activities, paving the way for a strategic partnership between the two countries. This includes cooperation in maritime defence, training of military personnel and modernisation of Congo’s naval infrastructure.
The country’s economy is heavily reliant on the oil and gas industry, which accounts for around 65% of its GDP, 85% of government revenue, and 92% of its exports. In recent years, the Republic of the Congo has been working to expand its energy capacity, with projects like the Nguya Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) facility, which is set to complement the existing Tango FLNG facility. These projects are expected to significantly enhance the country’s liquefaction capacity. Beyond oil and gas, the Republic of the Congo is diversifying its economy and attracting foreign investment in sectors like forestry, agriculture, construction, ecotourism, transport, mining, and information technology services. The country is also rich in mineral resources, including potash, phosphate, and gold, which are extracted and exported. The manufacturing sector, although still limited, includes industries such as processed foods, beverages, cigarettes, textiles, and cement.
Russia has investments in the oil and gas sector, including pipeline and related projects, a major investment being to transit energy to the inland capital, Brazzaville which Russia is also financing. The Marine 12 project is a joint venture between Italy’s Eni and Russia’s Lukoil, which has also just become productive.
In terms of bilateral trade with Russia, the Republic of the Congo saw a trade turnover of US$250 million in 2024, nearly double the previous year. Russia exports wheat and petroleum products, while the Republic of Congo exports mainly fruits.
Further Reading
