Lavrov pointed to the great potential in increasing trade with African countries.

Moscow invites African partners to explore the niches of Russian markets, and also sees great potential in increasing trade with African countries. This was stated on December 20 by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the plenary session of the ministerial conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum.

"We see great potential in increasing trade turnover with sub—Saharan Africa, as well as building direct ties with Russian contractors by African suppliers," he is quoted as saying on the website of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Lavrov also stressed that in order to expand the possibilities of cooperation between Russia and Africa in the trade and economic sphere, it is important to use the potential and mechanism of the African Union and sub-regional associations.

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Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that African countries have enormous potential and play a significant role in global politics. He added that the Russian Federation attaches great importance to the development of equal and mutually beneficial relations with African partners.

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