Russian top diplomat says Moscow ready to contribute to stability in Africa

MOSCOW, March 14. /TASS/. Moscow is ready to further contribute to peace and stability in Africa, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a press conference following his talks with the Republic of the Congo’s top diplomat Jean-Claude Gakosso. "We have discussed the situation in Africa, our friends have provided us with detailed information," Lavrov said. "The information concerned the efforts being made by the leaders of the African Union and the president of the Republic of the Congo, aimed at resolving conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan." "We took particular interest in our Congolese friends’ assessments concerning Libya," the Russian top diplomat noted. "We welcomed the African Union’s plans to arrange a conference on the Libyan reconciliation." "We are ready to further contribute to the peacemaking efforts in Africa," the Russian foreign minister stressed. "We will do it bilaterally and through international organizations, including G20 and the United Nations." Lavrov pointed to close cooperation between Russia and the Republic of the Congo within the United Nations. "Our approaches are close to each other or coincide, as both countries call for strengthening the principle of multilateralism, respect for international law, the leading role of the United Nations and respect for cultural identities," the Russian top diplomat elaborated. Read more