The prime minister of Burkina Faso, who is currently in Russia, arrived in Moscow on Tuesday to attend the Burkina Faso Economic Days Forum, which will take place from October 8 to 11.
As the name suggests, the event is tailored specifically to create dialogue centering around the partnership between Russia and Burkina Faso, with the aim of highlighting Burkina Faso’s economic potential to Russian investors, and identifying Russian industries of interest to entrepreneurs in the West African country.
“When we turned to Russia, we were told that Russia could offer nothing but weapons. Nothing more. We decided to see for ourselves.
“Therefore, we are looking for opportunities to diversify our relations in all areas. We want to establish a military, economic, and cultural strategic partnership,” the prime minister stated.
In June, it was reported that Russia planned to expand its military influence in Burkina Faso. This move followed Russia’s military entry into fellow West African state Niger, after the country had expelled the US troops within its borders.
Then, a report by the Moscow Times revealed that during the visit of Russia’s Foreign Minister; Sergei Lavrov to Burkina Faso, a decision was reached to increase the number of its military instructors in the West African state.
As reported by Sputnik, the prime minister of Burkina Faso mentioned that even after his country gained independence, there was dissatisfaction with western partnership.
“I can say that our history of interaction with the French and the West in general has not brought us satisfaction. Therefore, we decided to try a different path. We told ourselves that if there is a partner we want to turn to now, it is Russia,” he said.
To this effect, the prime minister reiterated the changes the country has made in recent years.
“In the capital of Burkina Faso, you can see Russian flags here and there. This indicates that our people have high expectations from strengthening cooperation with Russia,” Kyelem de Tambela noted.
