Belousov announced Russia's desire to expand military ties with Niger

Russia sees the Sahel confederation as a desire by Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali to expand military ties. This was stated on May 10 by Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov at a meeting with his counterpart from Niger, Salif Modi.

"We strive to ensure that the entire range of Russian-Nigerian military relations dynamically expands. We consider the confederation of Sahel states as a manifestation of the determination of Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali to build a new regional security architecture, as well as pursue an independent foreign policy based on national interests and their own potential," Belousov said.

In addition, he stressed that cooperation in the defense sector is under the personal control of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to the head of the department, partnership relations with Africa have a long-term character for Russia.

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Earlier, on May 7, Putin, at a meeting with his counterpart from the Republic of Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso, noted that strengthening ties with Africa is one of the priorities of Russia's foreign policy. In addition, he stated that the two countries are in solidarity in their approaches to solving many pressing global issues.