Burkina Faso has shown strong interest in establishing a Russian–Burkinabe intergovernmental commission for trade, economic, and scientific-technical cooperation, according to the Russian Embassy in Ouagadougou, as reported by TASS.
The embassy noted that such a commission would help structure cooperation in specific areas, enabling the implementation of projects in trade, the economy, science, and humanitarian fields. “The matter is currently under active consideration, and the Burkinabe side is eager to begin the commission’s work as soon as possible,” the embassy stated.
While no specific timeline for the commission's formation was given, the embassy emphasized that intensive efforts are underway and the issue is being overseen by Burkina Faso's highest authorities.
In terms of priority sectors, the embassy highlighted Burkina Faso’s primary interest in security. Both President Ibrahim Traoré and Burkinabe ministers have repeatedly stressed that development is impossible without addressing terrorism and ensuring national security. Another top priority is energy, given the country's electricity shortage. Russian solutions, particularly from Rosatom, are reportedly in high demand. Additionally, during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 10, President Traoré expressed interest in sending Burkinabe students to study in Russia, so they can apply their knowledge back home for national development.
On May 8, 2025, the official Russian legal information portal published a government directive titled “On the Signing of an Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of Burkina Faso on the Establishment of an Intergovernmental Russian–Burkinabe Commission for Trade, Economic, and Scientific-Technical Cooperation.” The Ministry of Economic Development of Russia was instructed to conduct negotiations with the Burkinabe side and to sign the agreement upon reaching consensus.
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Photo: Olympia de Maismont/EU/Creative Commons 2.0
Based on materials from TASS