Burkina Faso, Russia keen to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation – The North Africa Post

Sunday, Russia and Burkina Faso expressed their desire to boost cooperation between the countries in mutual benefit as Moscow expands its presence in Africa.

Lieutenant-colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, leader of the West African country met with Russia’s top diplomat Serguei Lavrov in New York on the sidelines of the 77th UN General Assembly. According to the Burkina Faso leadership, both countries are keen to strengthen ties as well as address current challenges.

“Currently, there was a desire to further strengthen this cooperation and bring it to a level that will be mutually beneficial to both countries,” said Olivia Rouamba, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The meeting is taking place amid increasing insecurity in Burkina Faso as it struggles with terror activities by armed bands and jihadists.

Last month, the Prime Minister of the Burkinabe transition, Albert Ouédraogo, had declared that Burkina Faso reserved the right to diversify its partnerships, even if it meant offending its historical partners, stressing that “there are questions to be asked about the partnership with France,” Anadolu agency had reported.

Ouedraogo expressed his country’s willingness to diversify international partners on the fight against terrorism.