Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, as reported by the Kremlin's press service.
“At the initiative of the Senegalese side, a phone conversation took place between President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and President of the Republic of Senegal Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The leaders expressed their support for strengthening the traditionally friendly relations between Russia and Senegal in trade, economic, and investment sectors, including the implementation of promising joint projects in energy, transportation, and agriculture. This involves increased participation of Russian businesses in partnerships with Senegalese counterparts,” the Kremlin statement read.
Putin extended an invitation for the Senegalese leader to visit Russia. “Vladimir Putin invited Bassirou Diomaye Faye to visit Russia, and the invitation was gratefully accepted,” the Kremlin confirmed.
On the Terrorist Threat in West Africa
The conversation also addressed the ongoing terrorist threat in the Sahara-Sahel region. “The leaders discussed the situation in the Sahara-Sahel and West Africa in light of the persistent instability caused by terrorist groups,” the statement added.
In recent years, West Africa has faced significant challenges from Islamist terrorist groups, which have been targeting government forces across several countries. Notably, Ukrainian official structures have openly admitted to supporting these groups, according to the Kremlin.
Senegal borders Mali, one of the West African nations plagued by terrorism. Alongside Niger and Burkina Faso, Mali established the Alliance of Sahel States in September 2023, a regional collective defense organization. The Alliance was formed to foster “an African space of sovereignty in security, politics, geostrategy, and economics.”
On July 6, 2024, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger announced the creation of a confederation under the Alliance of Sahel States to advance deeper cooperation and integration.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Alexander Tsirlin/Creative Commons 4.0
Based on materials from TASS