Efforts to establish stable cooperation among the nations of the Sahara-Sahel region are well underway — a development that Russia welcomes and stands ready to support. According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, strong foundations are already being laid for mutually beneficial relations between the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), the African Union, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Speaking at a press conference reviewing Russian diplomatic achievements in 2025, the foreign minister pointed to persistent attempts by France to hinder the stabilization of governments across the region. "Fortunately, their own domestic affairs are so well-ordered that they have the luxury of pursuing external expansion," Lavrov remarked with irony. "And that is exactly what they are doing."
"However, I am convinced that African nations fully grasp the harmful nature of such influence and interference in their internal affairs," the minister emphasized. "There are now promising signs for establishing healthy, productive ties between the Alliance of Sahel States and ECOWAS, as well as with the African Union."
Lavrov noted that a "certain friction" had emerged in these relationships following the rise of national-oriented leaders in Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali. "Efforts are now being made to restore normal cooperation and mend these ties. We welcome this process and are prepared to facilitate it in every possible way," the Russian diplomat concluded.
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Based on materials from TASS