In recent years, Russia has intensified its efforts to establish a significant foothold in Africa.
As a result, the Kremlin has inked significant nuclear, security, and economic agreements with various African countries across the continent’s geopolitical zones.
To ensure the success of its African objectives, Russia has decided to make some countries its entry point, one of which is the Congo Republic.
Russia’s president made mention of this on the sidelines of the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end and China’s triumph over Japan.
During the meeting with Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso, Putin noted that Congo has been a reliable partner, and Russia is prepared to add to the quota for the education of Congolese citizens in Russian schools, as reported by Sputnik.
“Cooperation with Congo remains a key priority of our foreign policy in Africa. Congo is a reliable and long-standing friend and partner,” the Russian president stated.
“Your active participation at the highest level in the Russia-Africa summit and other events reflects our strong bilateral ties.
We maintain constant personal contact, and our government teams continue to strengthen cooperation across various fields,” he added.
Russia and Congo
For the most part, the relationship between Congo (Brazzaville) and Russia has been waxing strong for a year now.
In September 2024, around the time of the Russian Energy Week, Minister of Hydrocarbons of the Republic of the Congo Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua publicly relayed that his country intends to welcome more Russian energy deals.
A few months prior, both countries had signed a momentous energy deal, as Russia’s state company Rosatom, which focuses on nuclear energy, nuclear non-energy goods, and high-tech, had opted to engage in a new arrangement with Congo-Brazzaville.
By November, both countries signed a memorandum of cooperation in the naval field, following a meeting in Moscow.
At the meeting, they addressed the current state of Russian-Congolese military cooperation and joint defense projects, as well as how to execute them.
Additionally, they committed to preserving coordination in all areas of bilateral military cooperation. A month prior, they admitted to exploring the likelihood of a joint refinery.
Such initiatives have been commonplace between both countries, but perhaps one of the most glaring examples of Russia’s relationship with Congo was when the presidents of both countries sat together to reminisce about the events of the Second World War.
